To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

2010-2011
NORTH CAROLINA
Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping
Regulations Digest
Effective Aug.1, 2010
to July 31, 2011
This publication is furnished free by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
Find the Regulations Digest online at www.ncwildlife.org.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Bev Perdue, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Dee Freeman, Secretary
NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE
RESOURCES COMMISSION
Steve Windham, Chairman
Winnabow
Charles W. Bennett, Vice-Chairman
Matthews
Randy Allen
Charlotte
Joe Barker
New Bern
John Litton Clark
Clinton
Nat T. Harris
Burlington
David W. Hoyle Jr.
Dallas
Russell Maughan Hull Jr.
Elizabeth City
Durwood S. Laughinghouse
Raleigh
Martin Lewis
Asheville
Wendell H. (Dell) Murphy Jr.
Wallace
W. Douglas Parsons
Clinton
Eugene Price
Dudley
Bobby Purcell
Cary
Dalton Ruffin
Winston-Salem
Wes Seegars
Goldsboro
Berkley C. Skinner III
Rocky Mount
Mitch St. Clair Sr.
Washington
W. Ray White
Nags Head
Gordon Myers Executive Director
Mallory G. Martin Chief Deputy Director
Dear Wildlife Stakeholders,
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission proposes adjustments
to hunting, fishing and trapping seasons each year in response to wildlife
population changes, wildlife conservation objectives, or public needs and
desires. This year, we also adjusted our rulemaking cycle by moving annual
public hearings to September to better ensure timely adoption of rules and
provide better service to North Carolina sportsmen and sportswomen.
We completed our strategic plan, identifying seven broad goals to support
wildlife conservation efforts and provide sustainable opportunities for fish-ing,
boating, hunting, trapping and other wildlife-related activities for all of
North Carolina’s citizens. Strategic objectives within each goal direct actions
necessary to achieve our vision, and these actions form the basis for Commis -
sion programs that deliver effective wildlife conservation across the state.
We invite you to review the plan. It is intended to be revised and updated
as needed, as we continually refine our approaches to the challenges of
wildlife conservation. You can find a copy of the plan on our website at
www.ncwildlife.org.
With the launch of our e-newsletter, N.C. Wildlife Update, we now offer you
timely information, such as season dates, agency news releases, program and
legislative updates, education workshops, events and more. Subscribe at
www.ncwildlife.org/enews.
While we look forward to your input at our public hearings each year, we
welcome your comments and suggestions throughout the year. Communicating
with our stakeholders is a priority for the Commission and public comment is
a critical component in our decision-making process. We urge you to let us
know your views. Attend a public hearing, write to us at 1701 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701, call us at (919) 707-0010, or send an e-mail
to wrccomments@ncwildlife.org.
From the beautiful beaches, black water streams and pocosins of our coast; the
rolling hills, woodlands, lakes and rivers of our piedmont, to the clear mountain
streams and majestic forests of our mountains, we are fortunate to enjoy some
of the most diverse outdoor opportunities in the nation. We encourage you to
get out in the field and on the water and take part in North Carolina’s natural
world through wildlife-associated recreation. Your participation is a contribu -
tion to wildlife and future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Sincerely,
Steve Windham Gordon Myers
Chairman Executive Director
N.C. WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION
CENTERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE EDUCATION
Visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org for maps to our facilities.
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 1
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Big Game Harvest Reporting ..............................(800) I-GOT-ONE
............................................................................(800-446-8663)
Boating Access Areas ............................................(919) 707-0150
Boating Safety Course Information ........................(919) 707-0031
Conservation Education Division ..........................(919) 707-0170
Enforcement Operations Office ............................(919) 707-0030
Engineering Division ............................................(919) 707-0150
Hunter Safety Course Information ........................(919) 707-0031
Inland Fisheries Division ......................................(919) 707-0220
License Information ............................................(888) 248-6834
License Purchases by Credit Card ....................(888) 2HUNTFISH
............................................................................(888-248-6834)
Marine Fisheries ..................................................(252) 726-7021
............................................................................(800-682-2632)
Migratory Bird Hunting Dates & Shooting Hours ......(800) 675-0263
Personnel Officer ..................................................(919) 707-0101
Regulation Information ........................................(919) 707-0030
Wildlife Calendar ..................................................(866) 945-3746
Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine/N.C. Wild Store Products
........................................................................ (866) WILDSHOP
............................................................................(866-945-3746)
Vessel Registration and Titling ..........................(800) NC-VESSEL
............................................................................(800-628-3773)
Violations Reporting ............................................(800) 662-7137
................................................(919) 707-0040 in the Raleigh area
..................................................................(800) 662-7137vTTY*
*(TTY machine available for people with hearing disabilities)
Wildlife Management Division ..............................(919) 707-0050
CONTENTS
License Information ..........................................2
General Information ..............................................................2
License Requirements and Exceptions ....................................2
License Type Descriptions ......................................................3
License Type Charts................................................................9
Disabled Sportsman Information ........................11
The Wildlife Endowment Fund ............................11
Lifetime Hunting and Inland Fishing Licenses ......................11
Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) ..........12
Inland Fishing Regulations and Information ........16
General Information ............................................................16
Inland Game Fish ................................................................16
Warmwater Game Fish ........................................................18
Mountain Trout ....................................................................21
Public Mountain Trout Waters ..............................................21
Nongame Fish......................................................................28
Fish Consumption Advisories ..............................................32
Miscellaneous Prohibitions ..................................................34
General Fishing Information ................................................35
Nongame Regulations and Information ..............38
Trapping Regulations and Information ................39
Hunting Regulations and Information ..................41
Manner of Taking ................................................................41
Hunting on Federal Lands....................................................44
Big Game ............................................................................44
Bear ..................................................................................44
Deer..................................................................................45
Wild Boar..........................................................................54
Wild Turkey ......................................................................54
Season Maps ........................................................................46
Big Game Harvest and Reporting ..........................................55
Small Game and Other Seasons ............................................55
Migratory Birds ....................................................................56
Federal Regulations ..............................................................58
Game Lands ..................................................62
Game Lands License ................................................................62
Game Lands Restrictions......................................................62
Disabled Access and Disabled Sportsman Programs..............64
Either-Sex Seasons and Other Rules......................................64
Local Laws ....................................................72
Local Fox Laws ....................................................................72
Hunting and Trapping..........................................................72
Big Game Harvest Reports ................................80
Sunrise-Sunset Table ........................................85
Cover photos Left: Derek Argotti holds a 46" female muskellunge that was
caught and released. Photo by Brian Argotti. Right: Larry Dickerson, president of
the North American Falconers Association, holds a Finnish goshawk. Photo by
Keith Hendrickson.
425,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $74,123 or
$.174407 per copy. Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
s
9 8
7
6
5 3
4
2
1
Ashe
Watauga Wilkes
Alleghany
Surry Stokes
Yadkin Forsyth
Avery
Caldwell
Alexander
Iredell
Davie
Davidson
Rockingham
Guilford
Randolph
Rowan
Cabarrus
Stanly
Montgomery
Catawba
Lincoln
Gaston
Mecklenburg
Union Anson
Richmond
Moore
Chatham
Alamance
Caswell
Orange
Person
Durham
Burke
Cleveland
Rutherford
McDowell
Mitchell
Yancey
Madison
Buncombe
Henderson
Polk
Haywood
Transylvania
Jackson
Swain
Macon
Graham
Cherokee
Clay
Lee
Wake
Harnett
Hoke
Scotland
Robeson
Cumberland
Sampson
Granville
Vance
Franklin
Nash
Wilson
Wayne
Johnston
Duplin
Pitt
Edgecombe
Halifax
Warren
Northampton
Bertie
Martin
Greene
Lenoir
Jones
Onslow
Beaufort
Pamlico
Washington
Hertford
Gates
Bladen Pender
Craven
Hyde
Tyrrell
Dare
Carteret
Columbus
Pasquotank
ChowanPerquiman Camden
Currituck
New
Hanover
Brunswick Pisgah Center
for Wildlife Education
1401 Fish Hatchery Road
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Phone: (828) 877-4423
John E. Pechmann
Fishing Education Center
7489 Raeford Road
Fayetteville, N.C. 28304
Phone: (910) 868-5003
◆
Get N.C. Wildlife Update – news including season dates, bag limits,
legislative updates and more – delivered to your Inbox from the N.C.
Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildife.org/enews.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All
wildlife programs are administered for the benefit of all North Carolina citizens
without prejudice toward age, sex, race, religion or national origin. Violations of
this pledge may be reported to the Equal Employment Officer, 1703 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1703, Tel. (919) 707-0101.
Centennial Campus Center
for Wildlife Education
NCWRC HEADQUARTERS
NCSU–Centennial Campus
1751 Varsity Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 707-0205
Outer Banks Center
for Wildlife Education
1160 Village Lane
Corolla, NC 27927
Phone: (252) 453-0221
● ●
◆
◆
●
●
◆
2 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS
License Identification Requirements To show entitlement
to a license issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission, any -
one exercising the privileges conveyed by the license shall carry
a picture identification card and show it to any wildlife enforce -
ment officer upon request. The picture identification card
should include the license-holder’s correct name, address and
date of birth. (A North Carolina Driver License or Dept. of
Motor Vehicles identification card is acceptable.)
Residency Definitions and Requirements
Resident—You are considered a resident if you have resided in
the state for six months or have been domiciled (established a
permanent residence) for 60 days. When residency is used to
establish eligibility, the applicant must complete a Certificate of
Residency, available from a wildlife service agent or the Wildlife
Resources Commission, certifying that he has maintained his
residence in a county of the state for at least 60 days with the
intent to reside there permanently or indefinitely.
Students—Nonresident students may purchase a resident license
while attending a university, college or community college in
North Carolina. When pur chasing your license from a wildlife
service agent, you must show your valid student identification.
Military—Nonresident members of the armed forces (including
their spouses and children under 18) who are stationed in the
state are deemed residents of the state and of the counties in which
they reside for the purpose of purchasing resident licenses.
County—Resident county licenses are limited to the county in
which the person resides.
Nonresident—Nonresident status applies to anyone who does not
live in the state of North Carolina, with the exceptions noted
above (students and members of the armed forces).
Hunter Safety Course Requirement No person, regardless
of age, may procure a hunting license in this state with out first
producing a Certificate of Competency showing comple tion of a
hunter safety course or a hunting license issued prior to July 1,
1991, or a signed statement (shown on the license) that he or
she had such a license. The hunter safety course is a min imum
of 10 contact hours. Each student must score a minimum of 70
on the written exam and must also meet the “hands-on” min imum
requirements. For more information pertaining to hunter safety
courses, visit us online at www. ncwildlife.org, or write to the
NCWRC Division of Wildlife Enforcement, 1718 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1718.
Big Game Harvest Report Card Requirement Big game
harvest report cards always expire on June 30 of each year. If
your hunting license and big game hunting privilege license are
still valid after the big game harvest report card expires, you may
obtain a replenishment card at no charge from either the Wild -
life Resources Commission or any wildlife service agent. Lifetime
license-holders also may obtain the big game harvest report card
by going online at www.ncwildlife.org, calling (888) 248-6834,
or visiting a wildlife service agent. Persons exempt by law from
the big game hunting license must obtain a “License-Exempt Big
Game Harvest Report Card” for license-exempt hunters (at no
charge) from a wild life service agent. For more information on
license exceptions, refer to the “Exceptions to License Require -
ments” section on this page. Autho rization numbers for big game
animals, taken prior to receiving the big game harvest report card
via the mail (when license is purchased by telephone), must be
recorded and avail able for inspection. Once the harvest report
card is received by mail, the big game kill authorization number
General Information The services that the North Caro -
lina Wildlife Resources Commission provides to the public are
financed primarily through the sale of licenses, which include
hunt ing, fishing, trapping and other licenses. The var ious types
of licenses sold by the Commission differ with respect to the
activ ities they authorize, where and when the activities occur,
and where the license-holder resides. This section pro vides
some gen eral information about these licenses, followed by
detailed sum maries of the various licenses available, the
privileges they authorize and the associated fees. All licenses
are nontrans ferable.
Replacement Licenses To replace a license that becomes
worn, lost or destroyed, call (888) 248-6834 or go to www.
ncwildlife.org to obtain an application. A $5 fee is charged to
defray the cost of processing.
Reciprocal Fishing License Agreements A reciprocal
fishing license agree ment is in effect between North Carolina
and each of the states listed below. The agreement provides
for the following: All state wide hook-and-line fishing licenses
obtainable from either North Carolina or the respective state
are honored on certain boundary waters as noted:
Georgia—The agreement with Georgia covers fishing from boats
not anchored to the shore or to a pier or boat dock connecting
to the shore on Chatuge Reservoir including all tributaries that
are accessible by boat from the main body of the reservoir.
Tennessee—The agreement with Tennessee covers the state-line por -
tion of Slick Rock Creek and boat fishing on Calderwood Reservoir.
Virginia—The agreement with Virginia covers the Dan River east
of the Brantly Steam Plant Dam, the Staunton River east of the
Rt. 360 bridge, and Kerr and Gaston reservoirs and their tribu -
taries that are accessible by boat. The Rt. 360 bridge is the first
bridge crossing the Staunton River upstream of Kerr Reservoir.
The agreement also covers that portion of the New River between
the confluence of the North and South forks of the New River in
North Carolina (Alleghany County) and the confluence of the
New and Little rivers in Virginia (Grayson County).
No reciprocal agreements exist between North Carolina and South
Carolina that provide for honoring the other state’s fishing
licenses on any boundary waters.
Purchasing Licenses You can purchase a license in four ways:
● Visit a wildlife service agent—Most licenses, including life -
time licenses, can be obtained from your local wildlife service
agent. Be prepared to present your valid driver license or state
identification card.
● Visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org—Most licenses are
avail able for purchase online.
● Phone (888) 2HUNTFISH (888) 248-6834—Have a pen,
paper, VISA or MasterCard, your driver license number and
WRC customer number handy.
● All licenses may be obtained directly from the Wildlife
Resources Com mission in person at NCSU Centennial
Campus, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC or by mail.
Please note: Sportsmen purchasing licenses online or by telephone
will be eligible to exercise the privileges of the license immediately
after completing the transaction or telephone call.
License Information For more information on licenses,
obtaining license applications or obtaining a list of wildlife ser -
vice agents nearest you, visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org, call
us at (888) 248-6834, or write to this address: NCWRC, 1707
Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707.
LICENSE INFORMATION
must be recorded on the harvest report card and the card
validated for the appropriate animal. For more information
on big game reporting, refer to the “Big Game Harvest and
Reporting” section on page 55.
HIP Certification Requirement All licensed hunters hunt ing
migratory game birds (doves, rails, woodcocks, gallinule, snipes
or water fowl) in North Carolina are required to have a certificate
of par ticipation in the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP).
This certification can be obtained free of charge by going online at
www.ncwildlife.org, calling (888) 248-6834, or visiting a wild -
life service agent. Persons exempt by law from the hunt ing license
requirement are not required to obtain the HIP certification.
Federal Duck Stamp In addition to the North Carolina
water fowl privilege, waterfowl hunters 16 years of age and
older are required to carry on their person the federal duck
stamp, signed in ink across the face. Federal duck stamps can
be obtained at most U.S. post offices or from selected wildlife
service agents. Visit www.duckstamp.com to order the duck
stamp online or to find the duck stamp retailer nearest you.
The federal duck stamp expires on June 30 of each year.
Exceptions to License Requirements
General
● A youth under age 16, accompanied by a properly licensed
adult, may enjoy those privileges conveyed by the licenses
held by the accompanying adult.
● A youth under 16, who has obtained a certificate of competency
showing his or her completion of the hunter safety course, may
hunt without a license, but must carry his or her certificate
while hunting.
● A landowner or person leasing land primarily for cultivation,
their spouse, and dependents under 18 residing with them,
Resident Nonresident
$20 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$40 N/A
FREE N/A
LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTIONS
Purchase your license online at www.ncwildlife.org
HUNTING AND INLAND FISHING COMBINATION LICENSES
Following is a list of annual and lifetime combination hunting and inland fishing licenses and the privilege license(s) and certification(s)
associated with each. Privilege licenses and certifications authorize a particular hunting or inland fishing activity not included with a basic
license type. Privileges may be purchased separately if the purchaser holds a valid basic license. If a privilege license is not listed, the
license type includes the special hunting or inland fishing activity. HIP Certification is required for all those planning to hunt migratory
game birds, including lifetime license-holders. See page 7 for a complete list of privileges and certifications.
LICENSE INFORMATION
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 3
may hunt, trap and fish on such land without a license.
● A resident of this state who is a member of the Armed Forces of
the United States serving outside the state, or who is on full-time
military duty outside the state in a reserve component of the Armed
Forces of the United States is exempt from hunting, inland and
coastal fishing license requirements while on leave in this state
for 30 days or less. Those who qualify for this exemption shall
carry on his or her person at all times, during the hunting or
fishing activity, their military identification card and a copy of
the official document confirming they are on authorized leave
from a duty station outside of North Carolina.
An individual exempt from the requirements of a hunting license
must obtain a “License-Exempt Big Game Harvest Report Card”
from the Wildlife Resources Commission or a wildlife service agent,
at no charge, when exercising the privileges of big game hunting.
Inland Fishing
● Persons under age 16 are exempt from the requirement of a
basic inland fishing and trout privilege license.
● The game lands license is not required to fish in any waters
on game lands or Wildlife Conservation Areas.
● An inland fishing license is not required to fish in a private pond.
A private pond is a body of water arising within and lying wholly
upon the lands of a single owner or a single group of joint owners
or tenants in common, and from which fish cannot escape, and
into which fish of legal size cannot enter from public waters at
any time. A pond or lake located on land owned by a public
body such as a state-supported university or a governmental
entity is not a private pond.
● July 4th is declared “FREE FISHING DAY,” and a fishing license
and trout privilege license are not required in any public waters
on this date.
ANNUAL LICENSES Annual licenses, privileges and certifications are valid for 12 months from the
date of purchase. Refer to page 13 for a list of annual Unified Sportsman /Coastal Fishing licenses.
•Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide hunting and inland fishing for resi -
dents during a license term. Includes fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
•Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents during a license term. Includes the
privileges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for water fowl (does not include
federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands,
and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
4 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. LICENSE INFORMATION
Resident Nonresident
$500 $1,000
N/A $125
FREE FREE
$350 $350
$200 $200
$15 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$100 N/A
FREE N/A
$100 N/A
FREE N/A
LIFETIME LICENSES Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license-holder. The privilege license and HIP
Certification are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Refer to pages 13–14 for a list of lifetime Unified
Sportsman/Coastal Fishing licenses.
•Sportsman (ages 12 & older): Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game,
hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public
Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not
include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License and Certification Available:
Bear/Wild Boar Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the lifetime sportsman license, to hunt
bear or wild boar.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Sportsman (ages 1–11): Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting
on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing
in coastal waters.
•Sportsman (under age 1): Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting
on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing
in coastal waters.
•Age 65 (or older) Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents. Includes hunting
for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing
in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does
not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Disabled Veteran Hunting and Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide basic hunting and inland fishing for
residents who are 50 percent or more disabled veterans as determined by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It
does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Totally Disabled Hunting and Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide basic hunting and inland fishing
for residents who are totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration
or the Railroad Retirement Board. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters
on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 11 for
application instructions.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Disabled Veteran Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents who are 50 percent or
more disabled as determined by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game
lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters,
fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Totally Disabled Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents who are totally and
permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck
stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint
waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 5
LICENSE INFORMATION
HUNTING LICENSES
Following is a list of short-term, annual and lifetime hunting licenses and the privilege license(s) and certification associated with each.
Privilege licenses and certifications authorize a particular hunting activity not included with a basic license type. Privileges may be pur chased
separately if the purchaser holds a valid basic license. If a privilege license is not listed, the license type includes the special hunting
activity. HIP Certification is required for all those planning to hunt migratory game birds, including lifetime license-holders. See page 7 for a
complete list of privileges and certifications. See table below for reciprocal license fee information for Ga., S.C., Tenn., and Va. residents.
Resident Nonresident
N/A $40*
N/A $40*
N/A $125
N/A $15
N/A $10
N/A FREE
$15 $60*
$10 $60*
N/A $125
$15 $15
$10 $10
FREE FREE
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$30 N/A
FREE N/A
$250 N/A
FREE N/A
License type Ga. S.C. Tenn. Va.
Season Hunt $ 60 $125 $ 60 $80
Season Big Game $118 $100 $100 $60
6-Day Hunt $ 40 $ 70 $ 55 $50
6-Day Big Game $103 $ 70 $ 50 $50
SHORT-TERM LICENSE Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license. Privileges and
certifi cations are valid 12 months from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. If planning to hunt on Sunday on
a military installation that allows Sunday hunting, license must be purchased online at www.ncwildlife.org, by mail,
by telephone (888) 248-6834, or in person at WRC headquarters in Raleigh.
•State Hunting—Six-Day (basic): Statewide hunting for nonresidents during the six-day period
specified on the license.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting—Six-Day: Hunting of deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey during the six-day
period specified on the license. This license privilege is needed in addition to the basic state hunting
license. Does not include the nonresident bear/wild boar hunting privilege.
Bear/Wild Boar Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the short-term state hunting license
and the big game hunting privilege, to hunt bear or wild boar.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual licenses, privileges, and certifications are valid for 12 months from the
date of purchase.
•State Hunting (basic): Statewide hunting during a license term.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey. Nonresidents hunting bear or
wild boar must also purchase the Bear/Wild Boar Privilege License.
Bear/Wild Boar Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the annual state hunting license and
the big game hunting privilege, to hunt bear or wild boar.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•County Hunting (basic): Hunting within the county of residence during a license term.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Comprehensive Hunting: Statewide hunting for residents during a license term. Also includes the
privileges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands and hunting for waterfowl (does not include
federal duck stamp).
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license-holder. The HIP Certification is valid
for 12 months from date of purchase.
•State Comprehensive Hunting: Statewide hunting, hunting for big game, hunting on game lands
and hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp).
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
*The following reciprocal license fees apply to Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia residents:
LICENSE INFORMATION 6 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Resident Nonresident
$5 $10
$10 $10
$15 $30
$10 $10
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$20 N/A
$10 $50
$100 $200
$250 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
SHORT-TERM LICENSE Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license. Privileges are valid
12 months from the date of purchase.
•State Inland Fishing 10-Day (basic): Statewide inland fishing during the 10-day period specified on
the license. Includes fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual licenses and privileges are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Refer to
page 13 for a list of annual Inland/Coastal Fishing licenses.
•State Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide inland fishing during a license term. Includes fishing in joint
waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
•County Inland Fishing (basic): Inland fishing within the county of residence during a license term.
Includes fishing in joint waters within the county of residence. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
•Comprehensive Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents during a license term. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
•Special Inland Fishing Devices (basic/noncommercial): Authorizes the taking of nongame fish
from inland waters (does not include joint and coastal waters) during designated seasons with nets, traps,
gigs, reels, spear guns, baskets, bow and arrow, and any other authorized special fishing device. Includes
the sale of these nongame fish. Taking of nongame fishes with bow and arrow is authorized under any of the
licenses providing basic hunting or inland fishing privileges. This license is valid when no more than three
special fishing devices are used.
•Special Inland Fishing Devices (basic/commercial): Authorizes the taking of nongame fish from
inland waters (does not include joint and coastal waters) during designated seasons with nets, traps, gigs,
reels, spear guns, baskets, bow and arrow, and any other authorized special fishing device. Includes the
sale of these nongame fish. Taking of nongame fishes with bow and arrow is authorized under any of the
licenses providing basic hunting or inland fishing privileges. This license is valid when four or more special
fishing devices are used.
LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder. Refer to pages 13 –14 for
a list of lifetime Unified Inland/ Coastal Fishing licenses.
•State Comprehensive Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing. Includes fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in
coastal waters.
•Age 65 (or older) Comprehensive Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents.
Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing
in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
•Disabled Veteran Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents who are 50 percent or
more disabled veterans as determined by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Includes fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing
in coastal waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
•Totally Disabled Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents who are totally and permanently
disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
INLAND FISHING LICENSES
Following is a list of short-term, annual and lifetime inland fishing licenses and the privilege license(s) associated with each. The privilege license authorizes a
particular inland fishing activity not included with the basic license type. Privileges may be purchased separately if pur chaser holds a valid basic license. If a
privilege license is not listed, the license type includes the special inland fishing activity. These licenses include fishing in joint waters. They do not include fishing in
coastal waters. See page 7 for a complete list of privileges and certifications. NOTE: Individuals 16 years of age or older using any type of bait or gear to
catch finfish while fishing in North Caro lina’s public waters must possess a valid North Carolina fishing license. This license requirement does not apply to private
ponds. Individual residents who receive Food Stamps, Medicaid or Work First Family Assistance may obtain a written waiver (Annual Subsistence License Waiver)
from this fishing license requirement through their county Department of Social Services.
Resident Nonresident
$25 $100
$15 $15
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 7
LICENSE INFORMATION
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual and privilege licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
•State Trapping (basic): Statewide trapping during a license term.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
•County Trapping (basic): Trapping within the county of residence during a license term.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
TRAPPING LICENSES
PRIVILEGE LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
For your convenience, we have separately listed the privilege licenses and certifi ca tions below. Annual privilege licenses and certifica tions
authorize particular hunting or inland fishing activities and must be obtained in addition to the appropriate basic license. Privileges may be
purchased separately if the purchaser holds a valid license. Privilege licenses and certifications are valid for 12 months from the date of
purchase. HIP Certification is required for all those planning to hunt migratory game birds, including lifetime license-holders.
Resident Nonresident
$10 $60*
N/A $40*
N/A $125
$10 $10
$15 $15
$10 $10
FREE FREE
$10 $10
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey. Nonresidents hunting bear or wild
boar must also purchase the Bear/Wild Boar Hunting Privilege License.
Big Game Hunting –Six-Day: Hunting of deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey during the six-day period
specified on the license. This license privilege is needed in addition to the basic state hunting license. Does
not include the nonresident bear/wild boar hunting privilege.
Bear/Wild Boar Hunting: Needed by nonresident license holders, in addition to the big game privilege, to
hunt bear or wild boar.
NOTE: For those nonresidents with a lifetime sportsman license:
• purchased prior to May 24, 1994, you do not have to purchase this additional privilege license to hunt bear
or wild boar.
• purchased between May 24, 1994 and May 18, 2001, you will have to purchase the Nonresident Bear/Wild
Boar Hunting Privilege License if you are hunting bear. If hunting wild boar only, you do not need to
purchase this privilege license.
• purchased after May 18, 2001, you will have to purchase the Nonresident Bear/Wild Boar Hunting Privilege
License if you are hunting bear or wild boar.
Bonus Antlerless Deer: Allows the harvest of two additional antlerless deer per report card in counties or
parts of counties with a maximum either-sex season or any municipality enrolled in the Urban Archery
Season. Not valid for use on game lands. Refer to the Big Game section for more information.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands. See the Game Lands section for other uses that
require a game lands license.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing on game lands.
*Reciprocal license fees apply to Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia residents.
Refer to page 5 for a list of fees.
8 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. LICENSE INFORMATION
Bobcat/Otter Tags: Needed to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of bobcat or otter car casses or pelts.
All bobcat and otter car casses or pelts shall be properly tagged within 10 days following the close of the
appli cable hunting or trapping season.
Controlled Hunting Preserve: Needed to hunt fox or pen-raised game birds on a licensed commercial
hunting preserve. This license may be used without a basic hunting license. This license is not required
if you possess a basic hunting, comprehensive hunting or sportsman’s license.
Disabled Access Permit: Authorizes persons with limited physical mobility to operate vehi cles, including
ATVs, on any Commission-maintained road open for vehicular travel, those trails posted for vehicular
travel and only on OPEN-GATED or UNGATED roads, otherwise closed to vehicular traffic on game lands
listed in the Disabled Access Program and to have access to special disabled hunting blinds. It does not
authorize operation of vehicles on closed roads on game lands not listed in the Disabled Access Program.
One able-bodied companion may accompany the disabled person, provided that person possesses the
“companion card” issued to the disabled hunter. The disabled hunter will also be issued a “vehi cle
access card.” The permit is valid as long as the qualifying disability persists. For more infor mation,
refer to the “Disabled Sportsman” and “Disabled Access Program” sections on pages 11 and 64.
Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification: This is a medical certification used to establish eligibility for
participation in disabled hunt opportunities. This certification is only necessary when the applicant
does not possess a lifetime disabled veteran or totally disabled license. This certification is not a license;
therefore, a valid hunting license, in addition to the hunt permit, is required when participating in a
disabled hunt opportunity. For more information, refer to the “Disabled Sportsman” section on page 11.
Falconry: Needed to hunt by the use of any raptor. A basic or comprehensive hunting or sportsman’s license
is needed in addition to the falconry license. License expires June 30 of each year. Call (919) 707-0050
for an application.
Fox Tags: Needed to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of a fox carcass or pelt. All fox carcasses or pelts
shall be properly tagged within 10 days following the close of the applicable hunting or trapping season.
Fur Dealer: Authorizes buying and selling furs anywhere in North Carolina. License expires June 30
each year.
Fur Dealer Station: Authorizes the license-holder and his or her employee(s) to buy or sell furs at an
established location in North Carolina and under the supervision of the license-holder. License
expires June 30 each year.
Hunting/Inland Fishing Guide: Needed to guide others for a fee. In cases where persons for hire are being
transported by vessel; a vessel-for-hire license may be required by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Special Landholder and Guest Fishing License: May be purchased by the landholder of private property
bordering inland or joint fishing waters, including Public Mountain Trout Waters. This license shall entitle
the landholder, and guests of the landholder, to fish from the shore or any pier or dock originating from the
property without any additional inland fishing license. May not be used for commercial purposes. A guest
is defined as any individual invited by the landholder to fish from the property at no charge. A charge
includes any fee, assessment, dues, rent, or other consideration which must be paid, whether directly or
indirectly, in order to be allowed to fish from the property, regardless of the stated reason for such charge.
License valid 12 months from date of issue.
Taxidermy: Authorizes persons to practice taxidermy involving wildlife for any compensa tion. License
expires Dec. 31 each year.
OTHER LICENSES AND PERMITS
The Wildlife Resources Commission offers a wide range of special licenses and permits to serve the public. For information on the licenses or
permits listed below or to obtain an application, you may visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org, call us at (888) 248-6834 or write to
NCWRC, 1707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707.
$2.20 ea. $2.20 ea.
$15 $15
FREE FREE
FREE FREE
$10 $10
$2.25 ea. $2.25 ea.
$60 $300
$120 N/A
$10 $100
$50 $50
$10 N/A
Resident Nonresident
Price Hunting & Inland Fishing
$20 Annual Combo Hunt & Inland Fish (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$40 Annual Sportsman X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$200 Lifetime Sportsman (under age 1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$350 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 1-11) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$500 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 12 & older) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$15 Age 65 (or older) Sportsman X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$10 Disabled Veteran (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$10 Totally Disabled (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$100 Disabled Sportsman X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Hunting
$15 Annual State Hunting (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$10 Annual County Hunting (basic)(1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$30 Annual Comprehensive Hunting X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$250 Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
$10 Big Game (2) X X X X
$15 Game Lands (2) (8) X X
$10 N.C. Waterfowl (2) (3) X
Free HIP Certification (6) (7) X X
Inland Fishing
$5 10-Day Inland Fishing (basic) X X
$15 Annual State Inland Fishing (basic) X X
$10 Annual County Inland Fishing (basic) (1) X X
$20 Annual Comprehensive Inland Fishing X X X
$250 Lifetime Comprehensive Inland Fishing X X X
Additional Inland Fishing Privilege
$10 Trout Fishing (4) X
Trapping
$25 Annual State Trapping (basic) (8) X
$10 Annual County Trapping (basic) (1)(8) X
Other Licenses
$10 Annual Hunt/Inland Fish Guide X
$15 Controlled Hunting Preserve (5) X
$10 Noncommercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
$100 Commercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 9
LICENSE INFORMATION
(1) Valid for use only in the license holders’ county of residence.
(2) Must also possess the appropriate basic hunting license.
(3) Must also possess a federal duck stamp.
(4) Must also possess a valid inland fishing license.
(5) This license may be used without a hunting license.
(6) Required to hunt federal migratory & waterfowl birds.
(7) Must also possess either a basic hunting, comprehensive
hunting or sportsman’s license.
(8) Trapping on game lands requires a Game Lands License
and a Trapping License.
(9) Must have the HIP Certification.
= Lifetime Licenses
Additional Information
RESIDENT HUNTING, INLAND FISHING AND TRAPPING LICENSE TYPES
and Associated Privilege Licenses
Refer to License Type Section for a complete description of license types and privileges. Refer to page 15
for a list of Resident Coastal Fishing and Unified Sportsman/Coastal Fishing license types.
Deer
Bear
Boar
Turkey
Squirrel
Rabbit
Migratory Game Birds (9)
Quail
Grouse
Pheasant
Raccoon
Opossum
Bobcat
Crow
Beaver
Groundhog
Coyote
Controlled Shooting
Preserves
Waterfowl (3) (9)
Game Lands (hunting)
Trapping
Game Lands (trapping) (8)
Basic Inland Fishing
Public Mtn. Trout Waters
Special Device Fishing
Nongame Fish
Bow & Arrow
Hunt\Inland Fish Guide
L I C E N S E S P R I V I L E G E S
HUNTING
Big Game Basic Hunting OTHER
“X” indicates the privileges authorized for
each license type.
10 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. LICENSE INFORMATION
NONRESIDENT HUNTING, INLAND FISHING AND TRAPPING LICENSE TYPES
and Associated Privilege Licenses
Refer to License Type Section for a complete description of license types and privileges. Refer to page 15
for a list of Nonresident Coastal Fishing and Unified Sportsman/Coastal Fishing license types.
Price Hunting & Inland Fishing
$200 Lifetime Sportsman (under age 1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$350 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 1-11) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$1,000 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 12 & older) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Hunting
$40 Six-Day State Hunting (basic) (10) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$60 Annual State Hunting (basic) (10) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
$40 Six-Day Big Game (2) (10) X X
$60 Big Game (season) (2) (10) X X
$125 Bear/Wild Boar (1) X X
$15 Game Lands (2) (8) X X
$10 N.C. Waterfowl (2) (3) X
Free HIP Certification (6) (7) X X
Inland Fishing
$10 10-Day Inland Fishing (basic) X X
$30 Annual State Inland Fishing (basic) X X
Additional Inland Fishing Privilege
$10 Trout Fishing (4) X
Trapping
$100 Annual State Trapping (basic) (8) X
Other Licenses
$100 Annual Hunt/Inland Fish Guide X
$15 Controlled Hunting Preserve (5) X
$50 Noncommercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
$200 Commercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
(1) Must also possess either a basic hunting or sportsman’s
license and a big game license.
(2) Must also possess the appropriate basic hunting license.
(3) Must also possess a federal duck stamp.
(4) Must also possess a valid inland fishing license.
(5) This license may be used without a hunting license.
(6) Required to hunt federal migratory & waterfowl birds.
(7) Must also possess either a basic hunting or sportsman’s license.
(8) Trapping on game lands requires a Game Lands License and a
Trapping License.
(9) Must have the HIP Certification.
(10) Reciprocal license fees apply to Georgia, South Carolina,
Ten nessee and Virginia residents. Refer to page 5 for a list of fees.
= Lifetime Licenses
Additional Information
Deer
Bear
Boar
Turkey
Squirrel
Rabbit
Migratory Game Birds (9)
Quail
Grouse
Pheasant
Raccoon
Opossum
Bobcat
Crow
Beaver
Groundhog
Coyote
Controlled Shooting
Preserves
Waterfowl (3) (9)
Game Lands (hunting)
Trapping
Game Lands (trapping) (8)
Basic Inland Fishing
Public Mtn. Trout Waters
Special Device Fishing
Nongame Fish
Bow & Arrow
Hunt\Inland Fish Guide
L I C E N S E S P R I V I L E G E S
HUNTING
Big Game Basic Hunting OTHER
“X” indicates the privileges authorized for
each license type.
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 11
General Information The N. C. Wildlife Resources Com mi -
s sion does not honor disabled licenses or permits from other
states. Disabled licenses and permits must be obtained directly
from the Wildlife Resources Commission. To obtain a disabled
license or permit application, visit us online at
www.ncwildlife.org, call us at (888) 248-6834, or write to
NCWRC, 1707 Mail Ser vice Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707.
Disabled Sportsman Program Information The Wildlife
Resources Com mission has established increased access and
opportunities for persons with disabilities to hunt on agency
game lands and other lands. A brief description and the quali -
fica tions for each are provided below. To obtain an application,
you may visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org, call us at (888)
248-6834, or write to NCWRC, Disabled Sportsman Program,
1707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707. For specific
informa tion on disabled hunt opportunities, refer to the Permit
Hunting Opportunities publication.
The Disabled Access Permit authorizes persons with limited
physical mobility to operate vehi cles, including ATVs, on any
Commission-maintained road open for vehicular travel, those
trails posted for vehicular travel and only on OPEN-GATED or
UNGATED roads, otherwise closed to vehicular traffic on game
lands listed in the Disabled Access Program, and allows access to
special disabled hunting blinds designated for hunters with dis -
abilities. See page 64 for a list of game lands or designated areas
within a game land in which this permit is valid. This permit does
not allow operation of vehicles on closed roads on game lands
unless the game land is listed in the Disabled Access Program. The
disabled hunter will be issued a companion and vehicle access
card. One able-bodied companion may accompany the disabled
hunter, provided that person possesses the companion card.
Several types of lifetime licenses are available as noted under the
“License Information” section of this Digest, which begins on
page 2. Lifetime sportsman and lifetime comprehensive hunting
licenses include the state waterfowl privilege. Lifetime compre -
hen sive hunting licenses and lifetime comprehensive inland
fishing licenses are sold only to residents of North Carolina.
Nonresidents may purchase the nonresident lifetime sportsman
license. Lifetime licenses may also be personalized for an addi -
tional $5 fee (some exclusions apply). There are no residency
restrictions for the infant and youth lifetime licenses. You may
also give a lifetime license as a gift. All of these licenses are good
for the life of the license-holder. Even if you move out of North
Carolina, you can use the license anytime you return to the state.
Lifetime licenses can be purchased at your local wildlife service
agent, online at www.ncwildlife.org, by telephone (888) 248-
6834 or by mail from the Wildlife Resources Commission.
Please note that infant and youth lifetime licenses require a copy
of the birth certificate; these two licenses cannot be purchased
online or by telephone. Disabled licenses must be purchased
by mail or in person at WRC Headquarters. To obtain a lifetime
license application visit our website at www.ncwildlife.org or
call (888) 248-6834.
Tax Deductible Contributions to the Wildlife Endow -
ment Fund Donations to the Wildlife Endowment Fund are
deductible from your taxable income. Donations can be made
directly to the fund or as a bequest from a will or as a memorial
gift to honor a deceased friend or family member. The fund can
also be named as a beneficiary to a life insurance policy. When
making a memorial donation, include the name and address of
the donor or donors as well as the name of the person or persons
who is/are being remembered by the donation. A card will be
sent to the donor acknowledging the contribution.
For additional information, visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org,
call (866) 945-3746, or write to NCWRC, Wildlife Endowment
Fund, 1710 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1710.
Lifetime Hunting and Inland Fishing Licenses Lifetime hunting and inland fishing licenses are a great deal for sportsmen.
Purchasing a life time license saves you money over the years, may be charged to a VISA or MasterCard, and supports North
Carolina’s rich wildlife heritage. Funds from lifetime license sales are deposited directly into the Wildlife Endowment Fund, which
supports wildlife conservation programs.
DISABLED SPORTSMAN INFORMATION THE WILDLIFE ENDOWMENT FUND
This permit is valid as long as the qualifying disability per sists.
There is no fee associated with this permit. Qualifications:
Com petent medical evidence must be submitted indicating
that a disability exists that limits physical mobility, to the extent
that nor mal utilization of the game lands is not possible without
vehicular assistance.
The Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification is a medical certifi -
ca tion used to establish eligibility for participation in disabled
hunt opportunities. This certification is only necessary when the
applicant does not possess a lifetime disabled veteran or totally
disabled license. This certification is not a license; there fore, a
valid hunting license, in addition to the hunt permit, is required
when participating in a disabled hunt opportunity. There is no
fee for this certification. For a list of disabled hunt opportunities,
refer to the Permit Hunting Opportunities publication. Qualifica -
tions: Medical certification in one of the following disabilities:
● missing fifty percent (50 percent) or more of one or more limbs,
whether by amputation or natural causes;
● paralysis of one or more limbs;
● dysfunction of one or more limbs rendering the individual
unable to perform the task of grasping and lifting with the
hands and arms or unable to walk without mechanical
assistance, other than a cane;
● disease, injury or impairment confining the individual to a
wheel chair, walker or crutches;
● legal deafness.
This certification shall remain valid as long as the qualifying
disability persists.
Within the national forests in North Carolina, off highway vehicles
(OHVs) are permitted only on designated routes. Further infor -
mation about areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service, includ ing
the Nantahala, Pisgah, Croatan and Uwharrie National Forests,
may be obtained online http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/.
General Information The Coastal Recreational Fish ing
License (CRFL) is required to recreationally take finfish in the
state’s coastal fishing waters, which include sounds, coastal
rivers and tributaries and out to three miles in the ocean.
Recreational anglers, who catch fish in the ocean greater
than three miles offshore, are required to have a coastal
recreational fishing license in order to bring fish back to
shore in North Carolina. Finfish harvested is for personal
consumption only and cannot be sold.
Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL)
1. Who must purchase a CRFL? Individuals 16 years or older
who want to recreationally finfish in any water designated as
coastal or joint waters of North Carolina must purchase a
CRFL. The exceptions are:
a. An individual who holds a resident/nonresident lifetime
infant, youth, adult, over 70, disabled sportsman, lifetime
compre hen sive fishing license, hunting/fishing basic
disabled veteran or hunting/fishing basic totally disabled
license issued by the Wild life Resources Commission
(WRC) before Jan. 1, 2006.
b. An individual who holds a lifetime legally blind or adult
care home license, regardless of when it was issued.
2. Where can I fish with a CRFL? To fish recreation ally in coastal
waters managed by the Division of Marine Fish eries (DMF),
you will need a CRFL.
● To fish in public, inland fishing waters, you need an inland
fishing license, available from the WRC.
● To fish in the joint waters managed by both DMF and WRC,
you will need a CRFL or an inland fishing license.
● The boundaries between coastal, inland and joint fishing waters
are marked with signs posted adjacent to the affected waters.
3. What types of individual CRFLs are available and what do
they cost? Several individual CRFLs are available to accommo -
date a variety of needs and situations. These include:
● short-term licenses
● annual licenses
● lifetime licenses, valid for the lifetime of the holder
● unified licenses, include hunting/statewide fishing privileges.
A list of these licenses can be found on page 13.
4. Where can I purchase my CRFL?
a. Go to the WRC website, www.ncwildlife.org.
b. Visit a WRC wildlife service agent. Most are located in bait-and-
tackle shops, hunting and sporting goods stores and
larger chain stores across the state.
c. Call toll-free, (888) 248-6834. Hours of operation:
8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday.
d. Visit one of six DMF offices located on the coast. For loca -
tions, go to the DMF website, www.ncfisheries.net.
5. I live in a coastal county, but I have a private pond on my
property that I have stocked. Do I need a CRFL to fish in
my pond? No, private ponds are exempt from any licensing
requirements.
6. Do I need a CRFL to fish in my county of residence?
Yes, the new legislation repeals the natural-bait exemption
for fishing in public and inland waters.
● Any person 16 and older fishing in North Carolina public
waters (excluding private ponds) must have a fishing license.
● People who receive Food Stamps, Medicaid or Work First
Family Assistance may receive a subsistence waiver through
their county Department of Social Services.
● This annual waiver allows the holder to fish recreationally
with hook-and-line in inland waters (with the exception
of Public Mountain Trout Waters), joint and coastal waters.
7. What types of blanket CRFLs are available? Who is eligible
to purchase one? Two types of blanket CRFLs are available
only through DMF offices:
a. For-Hire Blanket — a person who operates a “for-hire boat”
(i.e., charter boat) may purchase a CRFL for each vessel that
will allow all individuals on the for-hire boat who do not
hold a CRFL to fish in coastal fishing waters that are not joint
fishing waters. This license does not authorize individuals to
fish recreationally in inland or joint fishing waters.
b. Ocean Fishing Pier Blanket — a person who operates or
owns an ocean fishing pier and who charges a fee to allow a
person to fish recreationally from the pier may purchase an
Ocean Fishing Pier Blanket CRFL. This license allows all
individuals who do not hold an individual CRFL to engage
in recreational fishing in coastal waters while on the pier.
8. Is there a CRFL boat license I can buy so my guests do
not have to purchase a CRFL? Yes, owners of vessels 23' or
longer can purchase a Block of Ten 10-day CRFLs through
DMF offices for $150. Purchasing a block allows vessel owners
to issue 10-day licenses to anglers aboard their vessels. Vessels
must be registered in North Carolina or documented with the
United States Coast Guard. Purchasers of this license are
required to provide DMF the name, address and telephone
number of all anglers issued a 10-day license.
9. Do I need a CRFL to harvest crabs, mussels, clams,
lobsters, shrimp and other shellfish? No, the license is only
required for the recreational harvest of finfish.
10. Are anglers who use gigs and castnets to harvest finfish
recreationally required to have this license? Yes.
11. Do I need a CRFL license to fish from a privately owned
pier? Yes.
12. Can I sell my catch if I have a CRFL? No. Seafood harvested
under the license is for personal consumption and cannot be sold.
13. Are there any rules or regulations for recreational finfish -
ing? Yes, individuals possessing this license must comply with
the state’s recreational size and possession limits, which can
change frequently. To view the most up-to-date version of these
limits, visit www.ncdmf.net/recreational/recguide.htm or call
the DMF at (800) 682-2632 or (252) 726-7021 to receive a
copy. A CRFL is required for ANY type of recreational finfish
harvest not included under the Recreational Commercial Gear
License. This includes fishing with hook-and-line, spears, gigs,
bait-and-line, seines less than 30 feet, dip nets, landing nets and
cast nets. The Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL)
can be purchased from all DMF offices and WRC license agents
throughout the state. The cost is $35 for residents and $250 for
nonresidents. License agents charge an additional $1 fee. For more
information on RCGL, visit www.ncdmf.net/license/RCGL.htm.
14. Are there any additional requirements of those who hold
a CRFL? Individuals possessing this license are required to
comply with all DMF sampling and survey programs.
15. Does a landowner need a CRFL if fishing from his/her pier
or property? Yes.
For more information, contact: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commis -
sion, www.ncwildlife.org, (919) 707-0391 or Division of
Marine Fisheries, www.ncfisheries.net, local (252) 726-7021,
toll-free (800) 682-2632.
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE 12 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Resident Nonresident
$5 $10
$15 $30
$250 $500
$150 $150
$100 $100
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTIONS
Following is a list of short-term, annual and lifetime coastal recreational fishing licenses valid in coastal and joint waters.
ANNUAL UNIFIED LICENSE Annual licenses and privileges are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
•Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and coastal recreational fishing
for residents during a license term. Includes the privileges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for
waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on
game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License: Statewide inland and coastal recreational fishing for
residents during a license term. Includes the privileges of fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout
waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
•Unified Subsistence Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License Waiver: Statewide basic inland
and coastal recreational fishing for residents who receive Medicaid, Food Stamps, or Work First Family Assistance
through the County Department of Social Services. Includes fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in
Public Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on game lands. License Waiver can be obtained through
the County Department of Social Services upon request.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing on game lands.
UNIFIED LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder. The privilege license and HIP
Certification are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
Hunting and Fishing:
•Unified Adult Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 12 & older): Statewide hunting, inland
and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does
not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands,
and fishing in joint waters.
Additional Privilege License and Certification Available:
Bear/Wild Boar Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the lifetime sportsman license, to hunt bear
or wild boar.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Youth Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 1–11): Statewide hunting, inland
and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl
(does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game
lands, and fishing in joint waters.
•Unified Infant Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing (under age 1): Statewide hunting, inland
and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl
(does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game
lands, and fishing in joint waters.
SHORT-TERM LICENSE Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license.
•Coastal Recreational Fishing 10-Day: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters during the 10-day period
specified on the license. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
•Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters during a license term.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder.
•Adult Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 12 & older): Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Youth Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 1–11): Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Infant Coastal Recreational Fishing (under age 1): Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Age 65 (or older) Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Disabled Veteran Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters for residents
who are 50 percent or more disabled veterans as determined by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. It does not authorize
fishing in inland waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
•Totally Disabled Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters for residents
who are totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Railroad
Retirement Board. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
UNIFIED HUNTING, INLAND AND COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTIONS
Following is a list of annual and lifetime unified hunting, inland and coastal recreational fishing licenses valid in coastal and joint waters.
Resident Nonresident
$55 N/A
FREE N/A
$35 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$675 $1350
N/A $125
FREE FREE
$450 $450
$275 $275
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 13
BOATING SAFETY
EDUCATION
IT’S THE LAW
NCGS 75A-16.2
•Unified Age 65 (or older) Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland
and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl
(does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game
lands, and fishing in joint waters.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Disabled Veteran Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and
coastal recreational fishing for residents who are 50 percent or more disabled veterans as determined by the Dept.
of Veterans Affairs. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include
federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in
joint waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Totally Disabled Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and
coastal recreational fishing for residents who are totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social
Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands,
hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in
trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
FISHING:
•Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide inland and coastal recreational fishing. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
•Unified Legally Blind Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide fishing in all public waters for
residents who have been certified by the Dept. of Health and Human Services as being legally blind. Includes fishing
in Public Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on game lands. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
•Unified Adult Care Home Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide fishing in all public waters
for residents of an adult care home. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on
game lands. License valid during time of residency at adult care facility. Call (888) 248-6834 to obtain an application.
Resident Nonresident
$30 N/A
FREE N/A
$110 N/A
FREE N/A
$110 N/A
FREE N/A
$450 N/A
FREE N/A
FREE N/A
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE 14 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Anyone younger than 26 operating a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or greater motor on public waterways must
have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course or otherwise be in compliance, as of
May 1, 2010. All vessel operators must be able to prove compliance upon request of a law enforcement officer.
For course information, visit www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0031.
(1) Required to hunt federal migratory & waterfowl birds.
(2) Must also possess either a basic hunting, comprehensive hunting or
sportsman’s license.
(3) Must also possess a valid inland fishing license.
(4) Must also possess either a basic hunting or sportsman’s license and a
big game license.
(5) Must also have the HIP Certification.
(6) Must also possess a federal duck stamp.
(7) Trapping on game lands requires a Game Lands License and a Trapping License.
= Lifetime Licenses
Additional Information
UNIFIED HUNTING, INLAND AND COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE (CRFL) TYPES
and Associated Privilege Licenses
RESIDENT LICENSE TYPES
Price Hunting, Inland & CRFL
$55 Annual Unified Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$675 Lifetime Adult Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$450 Lifetime Youth Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$275 Lifetime Infant Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$30 Unified Age 65 & Older Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$110 Unified Disabled Vet Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$110 Unified Totally Disabled Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
Free HIP Certification (1) (2) X X
Fishing
$5 10-Day – CRFL X
$15 Annual CRFL X
$35 Annual Unified Inland/CRFL X X X X
Free Annual Subsistence Inland/CRFL Waiver X X X
$250 Lifetime Adult CRFL X
$150 Lifetime Youth CRFL X
$100 Lifetime Infant CRFL X
$15 Age 65 & Older CRFL X
$10 Disabled Vet CRFL X
$10 Totally Disabled CRFL X
$450 Lifetime Unified Inland/CRFL X X X X
Additional Inland Fishing Privilege
$10 Trout Fishing (3) X
NONRESIDENT LICENSE TYPES
Price Hunting, Inland & CRFL
$1,350 Lifetime Adult Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$450 Lifetime Youth Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$275 Lifetime Infant Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
Free HIP Certification (1) (2) X X
$125 Bear/Wild Boar (4) X X
Fishing
$10 10-Day – CRFL X
$30 Annual CRFL X
$500 Lifetime Adult CRFL X
$150 Lifetime Youth CRFL X
$100 Lifetime Infant CRFL X
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 15
Deer
Bear
Boar
Turkey
Squirrel
Rabbit
Migratory Game Birds (5)
Quail
Grouse
Pheasant
Raccoon
Opossum
Bobcat
Crow
Beaver
Groundhog
Coyote
Controlled Shooting
Preserves
Waterfowl (5) (6)
Game Lands (hunting)
Trapping
Game Lands (trapping) (7)
Basic Inland Fishing
Public Mtn. Trout Waters
Special Device Fishing
Nongame Fish
Bow & Arrow
Coastal Recreational Fishing
L I C E N S E S P R I V I L E G E S
HUNTING
Big Game Basic Hunting OTHER
“X” indicates the privileges authorized for
each license type.
16 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
General Information Inland, Joint and Coastal Fishing
Waters. Both the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Div -
ision of Marine Fisheries have licensing, management and
regula tory authority in certain waters along the coast of
North Caro lina. These waters are designated as inland, joint
and coastal waters. The Wildlife Resources Commission has
juris dic tion in inland waters, and the Division of Marine
Fisheries has jurisdic tion (except that pertaining to inland
game fishes) in coastal waters. Both agencies have licensing
and regulatory authority in joint waters.
The boundaries between inland, joint and coastal fishing waters
are prominently marked with metal signs posted adjacent to
the affected waters. Lists of these waters, with their boundaries
indicated, are available from the Wildlife Resources Com mis -
sion, 1721 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
(www.ncwildlife.org; see Fishing–Publications–Coastal, Joint
and Inland Fishing Waters Designations in N.C.), or from the
Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC
28557 (www.ncdmf.net; see Quick Links–Maps to Download).
SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR JOINT FISHING WATERS
● It is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids
less than 18 inches in length.
● It is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids
between 22 and 27 inches in length in the joint waters of the
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area.
● It is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids from
May 1 through Sept. 30 in the joint waters of the Central-South -
ern and Albemarle Sound Striped Bass Management Areas.
● It is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids in
the joint waters of the Cape Fear River.
● It is unlawful to possess more than one daily creel limit of
striped bass or striped bass hybrids, in combination, per person
per day, regardless of the number of management areas fished.
● It is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids that
are not in agreement with size and creel limits of the waters
being fished, regardless of other management areas that may
have been fished that day.
● It is unlawful to net fish for striped bass or their hybrids in
joint waters except as authorized by rules of the Marine
Fisheries Commission.
● It is unlawful to use seines, gill nets or trawl nets in the Lake
Mattamuskeet canals.
● It is unlawful to use any net, net stakes, or electrical fishing
device within 800 feet downstream of the dam at Lock No. 1
on the Cape Fear River.
● It is unlawful to possess more than 10 American or hickory shad
in aggregate, per person per day, taken by hook-and-line.
Otherwise, in joint fishing waters, commercial fishing and licensing—
including commercial trotlines—are subject to the coastal
fishing laws and regulations; inland game fish and hook-and-line
licensing—exclusive of commercial trotlines—are subject
to the inland fishing laws and regulations.
How to Measure Inland Game Fish The harvest of
several game fishes is regulated by length limits. Fish length is
deter mined by measuring along a straight line (in other words,
not along the curvature of the body) the distance from the tip of
the closed mouth to the tip of the compressed caudal (tail) fin.
INLAND GAME FISH
The following fishes are designated as inland game fish:
● Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted)
● Crappie (white and black)
● Sunfish
● Bluegill
● Redbreast sunfish (robin)
● Redear sunfish (shellcracker)
● Pumpkinseed
● Warmouth
● Green sunfish
● Roanoke bass
● Rock bass
● Flier
● All other species of the family Centrarchidae
● Mountain trout (including but not limited to brook, brown
and rainbow trout)
● Kokanee salmon
● Walleye
● Sauger
● Pickerel, chain (jack) and redfin
● Muskellunge
● White bass
● Bodie bass (striped bass x white bass)
● Striped bass, in inland waters
● Shad (American and hickory) in inland waters
● White perch, in inland waters
● Yellow perch, in inland waters
● Spotted sea trout, in inland waters
● Flounder, in inland waters
● Red drum (channel bass, red fish and puppy drum), in inland waters
GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR INLAND GAME FISH
Purchase and Sale
● The purchase and sale of inland game fish are unlawful, except
from and by licensed commercial trout ponds and fish propagators.
Manner of Taking
● Inland game fish may be taken only with a hook and line.
● Landing nets may be used to land fishes caught on a hook and line.
● It is unlawful to snag fish by pulling or jerking a device equipped
with one or more hooks through the water for the purpose of
impaling fish.
● American and hickory shad may be taken with bow nets from
March 1 through April 30 in those counties and waters with
open seasons for the use of bow nets (see “Seasons and Waters”
pages 29 –34) and are subject to daily creel limits (see page 20).
● In the inland waters of the Roanoke River upstream of the U.S.
258 bridge, only a single barbless hook or a lure with a single
barbless hook may be used from April 1 to June 30. “Barbless”
means that the hook either does not have a barb or that the
barb is bent down.
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 17
Possession and Use of Game Fish
1. It is unlawful to take, in any one day, more than the daily creel
limit of any inland game fish having a specified creel limit.
2. It is unlawful to possess more than the daily creel limit while
fishing, boating or afield; or to possess at any place more than
three days’ creel limit.
3. It is unlawful to possess fish whose size, creel or season
restrictions are not in compliance with the regulations on
the waters being fished.
4. It is unlawful, while fishing, to change the appearance of fish
subject to size limits or daily creel limits or remove the head
and/or tail from fish that are regulated by a size limit so that
they may not be measured and/or identified.
5. It is unlawful to destroy unnecessarily any inland game fish
taken from public fishing waters.
6. Inland game fish may be used as bait if they are legally taken
and are in agreement with the size and creel limits of the waters
being fished and other regulations.
Seasons There are no closed seasons on inland game fishes
with the following exceptions:
1. In Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, where the season for all
fishes is closed and fishing is prohibited from March 1–April 1,
2011. This closed season for fishing does not apply to power
supply lakes or municipal water supply lakes.
2. In undesignated waters where it is unlawful to possess trout
caught during the closed season (March 1–April 1, 2011).
3. On the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, where
federal regulations apply.
4. On the MacKay Island National Wildlife Refuge, where federal
regulations apply and specified waters are closed to access
between Oct. 15 and March 15.
5. On the Roanoke River, where the striped bass season is closed
from May 1–end of February from the Roanoke Rapids Dam
downstream to the mouth of the river at the Albemarle Sound,
unless changed by proclamation of the Executive Director,
Wildlife Resources Commission.
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
Longest spine over twice as
long as shortest spine Deep notch between fins
No scales at
base of fin
No scales at
base of fin
Upper jaw extends
beyond eye
Horizontal band
One patch of
teeth on tongue
Longest spine less than twice
the length of shortest spine
Shallow notch between fins
Scales at
base of fin
Upper jaw
extends to
back of eye
Horizontal band
Horizontal streaks
Scales at
base of fin
Largemouth Bass
Found statewide
BASS IDENTIFICATION CHART M0RONE IDENTIFICATION CHART
Stripes distinct and
usually broken
Two patches of
teeth on tongue
Spotted Bass
Found in the mountains, foothills and Little River in Harnett County
Longest spine less
than twice the length
of shortest spine Shallow notch between fins
Scales at
base of fin
Scales at
base of fin
Upper jaw doesn’t
extend beyond
back of eye
Vertical bars
Smallmouth Bass
Found in the mountains and foothills
One patch of
teeth on tongue
Stripes often faint
White Bass
Bodie Bass
(striped bass hybrid)
Two patches of
teeth on tongue
Striped Bass
Stripes distinct and
usually continuous
18 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
REGULATIONS FOR WARMWATER GAME FISH
LOCATION
Black bass (including largemouth, smallmouth and spotted)
- Roanoke River downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam
- Tar River downstream of Tar River Reservoir Dam
- Neuse River downstream of Falls Lake Dam
- Lake Raleigh (Wake Co.)
- Haw River downstream of Jordan Lake Dam
- Deep River downstream of Lockville Dam
- Cape Fear River
- Waccamaw River downstream of Lake Waccamaw Dam
- Lumber River, including Drowning Creek
- All other public waters east of Interstate 95, except Tar River Reservoir
(Nash Co.)
- South Yadkin River downstream of Cooleemee Dam
- Yadkin-Pee Dee River from Idols Dam to the South Carolina state line,
including High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Badin Lake, Falls Lake
(Stanly and Montgomery counties), Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake.
- Randleman Reservoir (Randolph and Guilford counties)
- Lake Luke Marion (Moore Co.)
- Reedy Creek Park lakes (Mecklenburg Co.)
- Lake Rim (Cumberland Co.)
- Lake Norman
- Sutton Lake (New Hanover Co.)
- Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson and Nash counties)
- Cane Creek Lake (Union Co.)
- Lake Thom-A-Lex (Davidson Co.)
- Shearon Harris Reservoir
- Lake Phelps
- New River (Alleghany Co. portion downstream of Fields Dam in
Grayson Co., Va.)
- Public Mountain Trout Waters and waters in and west of Madison,
Buncombe, Henderson and Polk counties
- City- or county-owned lakes under Wildlife Resources
Commission management
- B. Everett Jordan Reservoir
- Falls of Neuse Reservoir
- All other public fishing waters
State waters are classified as: inland, joint and coastal (see “Gen-eral
Information" on page 16). These state waters are collectively
referred to as public fishing waters. Certain fishes, including large -
mouth bass, crappie and mountain trout are designated inland
game fish and under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Resources Com -
mission in all public waters; whereas, some species, including striped
bass, white and yellow perch, flounder and red drum, are desig -
nated as inland game fish only in inland waters (see list on page 16).
SIZE LIMIT
14-inch minimum
Largemouth and spotted bass:
14-inch minimum, except that 2 may
be less than 14 inches
14-inch minimum
Dec. 1–March 31:
No bass may be possessed.
16-inch minimum
18-inch minimum
14-inch minimum, except that 2 may be
less than 14 inches and no fish between
16-20 inches may be possessed
14-inch minimum and no fish between
16-20 inches may be possessed
No minimum size for smallmouth
bass, and no smallmouth between
14-20 inches may be possessed.
12-inch minimum, except that
2 may be less than 12 inches
As posted
Largemouth: 14-inch minimum, except
that 2 may be less than 14 inches
Smallmouth& spotted bass: 12-inch min -
imum,except that2maybe less than12inches
DAILY CREEL LIMIT*
5 in combination
5 in combination
5 in combination
Dec. 1–March 31:
No bass may be possessed.
5 in combination
5 in combination
5 in combination, including only
2 less than 14 inches
5 in combination
5 in combination, including only
1 smallmouth bass greater
than 20 inches
5 in combination, including only
2 less than 12 inches
As posted
5 in combination, including only
2 largemouth less than 14 inches
and 2 smallmouth or spotted bass
less than 12 inches
*Please note: “In combination” means the total number for all species combined.
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
6. In the Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area where it
is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids from
May 1 – Sept. 30.
7. In Cape Fear River and tributaries below Buckhorn Dam where
possession of striped bass and Bodie (hybrid) striped bass is
prohibited.
8. In Sutton Lake, where possession of largemouth bass is
prohibited from Dec. 1 – March 31.
9. Fishing is prohibited from Feb. 15 – April 15 in the Linville
River from the mouth, as marked at Lake James, upstream
to the N.C. 126 bridge.
TROTLINES, SET-HOOKS AND JUG-HOOKS
● Trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks may be fished under any
license that authorizes basic fishing privileges.
● It is unlawful to use live bait with trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks.
● Trotlines (a line with multiple hooks) must be set parallel to the
nearest shore in all public waters, where their use is authorized.
● Each trotline, set-hook and jug-hook shall have attached the
name and address of the user legibly inscribed.
● Each trotline shall be conspicuously marked at each end, and
each set-hook shall be conspicuously marked at one end with
a prominent flag or floating object.
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 19
LOCATION
Striped bass and Bodie bass
(Inland impoundments and tributaries)
- John H. Kerr Reservoir
- Dan River in Caswell Co., N.C., downstream of Danville, Va.
- Cape Fear River upstream of Buckhorn Dam and the Deep and Haw rivers
to the first impoundment
- B. Everett Jordan Reservoir
- Lake Gaston
- Roanoke Rapids Reservoir
- Lake Norman
- Other impounded inland waters and their tributaries
Striped bass and Bodie bass
(Coastal rivers and impoundments)
Roanoke River Striped Bass Management Area (including Roanoke, Cashie,
Middle and Eastmost rivers and their tributaries)
- Roanoke Rapids Dam downstream to mouth of the river at Albemarle Sound
Albemarle Sound Striped Bass Management Area (including Roanoke
Sound, Croatan Sound, Albemarle Sound, Currituck Sound, Chowan,
Yeopim, Perquimans, Little, Pasquotank, North, Alligator and
Scuppernong rivers and their tributaries)
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area, inland and joint waters
including:
- Tar-Pamlico River and tributaries from Rocky Mount Mill Dam
downstream to N & S Railroad Bridge at Washington
- Neuse River and tributaries from Milburnie Dam downstream to Southern
Railroad Bridge at New Bern
- Pungo River
- All other unlisted inland and joint waters of coastal rivers and their
tributaries, except Cape Fear River and tributaries
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area, coastal waters including:
- Tar-Pamlico River downstream of the N & S Railroad Bridge at Washington
including Pamlico Sound and tributaries designated as coastal waters
- Neuse River downstream of Southern Railroad Bridge at New Bern,
including Pamlico Sound and tributaries designated as coastal waters
- All other unlisted coastal waters
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area, inland, joint and coastal
waters of:
- Cape Fear River and tributaries downstream of Buckhorn Dam
- Pee Dee River and tributaries downstream of Blewett Falls Dam
- Lake Mattamuskeet
SIZE LIMIT
Oct. 1–May 31:
26-inch minimum.
June 1–Sept. 30:
No minimum size limit
20-inch minimum
Oct. 1–May 31:
20-inch minimum
June 1–Sept. 30:
No minimum size limit
Oct. 1–May 31:
16-inch minimum.
June 1–Sept. 30:
no minimum size limit
16-inch minimum, except that
2 may be less than 16 inches
Season - March 1–April 30 (unless
closed by proclamation):
18-inch minimum, no fish
between 22-27 inches
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
Season - Oct. 1–April 30
18-inch minimum and no fish
between 22-27 inches
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
No striped bass may be possessed
18-inch minimum
DAILY CREEL LIMIT
Oct. 1–May 31:
2 in combination
June 1–Sept. 30:
4 in combination
4 in combination
4 in combination
4 in combination
8 in combination, including only
2 fish less than 16 inches
Season - March 1–April 30 (unless
closed by proclamation):
2 in combination including only
1 greater than 27 inches
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
Season- Oct. 1–April 30
2 in combination
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
No striped bass may be possessed
3 in combination
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
● Metal cans and glass containers cannot be used as markers.
● The number of jug-hooks that may be fished is limited to 70 per boat.
● Trotlines, throwlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks must be fished
daily, and all fish must be removed daily.
● Untended trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks, as evidenced by
the absence of bait, may be removed from the water by wildlife
enforcement officers.
● Blue crabs may be taken recreationally with a single line with
multiple baits without hooks (see restrictions under “Taking
Nongame Fish, Crustaceans, and Mollusks for Bait or Personal
Consumption” on pages 28 –29).
Exceptions
● No trotlines or set-hooks may be used in the impounded waters
of Sandhills Game Land, in Public Mountain Trout Waters, or
in Cheoah Lake.
● In Lake Waccamaw, it is unlawful to use trotlines or set-hooks
from May 1– Sept. 30.
STATE FISH HATCHERIES
● It is unlawful to fish at any time in the waters or on the property
of any state fish hatchery, including Bones Creek from the Lake
Rim Dam to the U.S. 401 Bypass (Raeford Road), except McKinney
Lake Reservoir at McKinney Lake State Fish Hatchery.
20 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
LOCATION
Sunfish (except species listed below)
In the following waters and their tributaries:
- Roanoke River downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam
- Tar River downstream of Tar River Reservoir Dam
- Neuse River downstream of Falls Lake Dam
- Haw River downstream of Jordan Lake Dam
- Deep River downstream of Lockville Dam
- Cape Fear River
- Waccamaw River downstream of Lake Waccamaw Dam
- Lumber River, including Drowning Creek
- All other public waters east of Interstate 95, except Tar River Reservoir
(Nash Co.)
- All other public fishing waters
Crappie (black and white)
In the following waters and their tributaries:
- Tar River downstream of Tar River Reservoir Dam
- Neuse River downstream of Falls Lake Dam
- Haw River downstream of Jordan Lake Dam
- Deep River downstream of Lockville Dam
- Cape Fear River
- Waccamaw River downstream of Lake Waccamaw Dam
- Lumber River, including Drowning Creek
- All other public waters east of Interstate 95, except Tar River Reservoir
(Nash Co.) and Sutton Lake (New Hanover Co.)
- South Yadkin River downstream of Cooleemee Dam
- Yadkin-Pee Dee River from Idols Dam to the South Carolina state line,
including High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Badin Lake, Falls Lake
(Stanly and Montgomery counties) Lake Tillery, and Blewett Falls Lake
- Lake Norman, Lake Hyco, Lake Ramseur, and Cane Creek Lake
- All public waters west of Interstate 77
- B. Everett Jordan Reservoir
- Roanoke River (downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam), Cashie, Middle
and Eastmost rivers and their tributaries
- Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson and Nash counties)
- All other public fishing waters
Rock bass and Roanoke bass
- All public waters east of Interstate 77
- All other public fishing waters
White bass
- All public fishing waters
American and Hickory shad
- Roanoke River upstream of U.S. 258 bridge near Scotland Neck to
Roanoke Rapids dam
- Lake Gaston
- Roanoke Rapids Reservoir
- John H. Kerr Reservoir
- All other public fishing waters
Spotted sea trout
- Inland waters
Flounder
- Inland waters
Red drum
- Inland waters
Walleye
- Lake James and tributaries
- Linville River upstream from N.C. 126 bridge
- All other public fishing waters
Muskellunge
- All public fishing waters
Sauger
- All public fishing waters
Kokanee salmon
- All public fishing waters
All other warmwater game fishes
- All public fishing waters
SIZE LIMIT
No minimum size limit
None
8-inch minimum
10-inch minimum
None
None
8-inch minimum
None
None
None
No American shad may be possessed
None
12-inch minimum
14-inch minimum
18-inch minimum and
27-inch maximum
15-inch minimum
None
None
42-inch minimum
15-inch minimum
None
None
DAILY CREEL LIMIT
30 in combination, including no
more than 12 redbreast sunfish
None
20 in combination
20 in combination
20 in combination
None
2 in combination
None
25
10 in combination, including no more
than 1 American shad
No American shad may be possessed
10 in combination
10
8
1
8
4
8
1
8
7
None
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 21
REGULATIONS FOR MOUNTAIN TROUT
Brook, brown and rainbow trout require cold, clean water and are
therefore generally restricted to mountain streams and lakes.
Those mountain waters that support trout and are open to public
fishing are designated as “Public Mountain Trout Waters” by the
Wildlife Resources Commission and are man aged for public
trout fishing. A significant amount of trout fishing oppor tunities
in western North Carolina are located on private property. These
landowners have generously allowed for public access for fish -
ing. Please respect their property. Your cooperation is needed to
protect fishing opportunities for future generations. The Com mis -
sion conspicuously marks Public Mountain TroutWaters with
regulation signs that indicate locations for public access. When
anglers encounter “posted against trespass” signs along these
designated sections on private lands, they should respect the
property owner’s rights and choose another location along that
stream to fish. Maps of trout water and their classifi ca tions may
be viewed at www.ncwildlife.org under the link for regulations –
fishing – mountain trout.
Public Mountain Trout Waters Public Mountain Trout
Waters are classified for management purposes as either
“Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters” or “Wild Trout Waters.”
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters must be stocked periodically
with trout to sustain angling. Wild Trout Waters are high-quality
waters that sustain trout popu lations by natural reproduction.
Some Public Mountain Trout Waters are specially regulated to
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
LOCATION/SEASON SIZE LIMIT DAILY CREEL LURES/BAIT
LIMIT RESTRICTIONS*
HATCHERY-SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS
Aug. 1, 2010 – Feb. 28, 2011 None 7 None
7 a.m. April 2, 2011 – July 31, 2011
-All hatchery-supported waters not listed below
March 1, 2011 – April 1, 2011
**No fishing allowed ** None **
-All hatchery-supported waters not listed below
No closed season
-Linville River and tributaries within Linville None 7 None
Gorge Wilderness Area
-Power supply lakes and municipal water
supply lakes
WILD TROUT WATERS
No closed season 7 inches 4 Artificial lures with a single hook.
WILD TROUT NATURAL BAIT WATERS
No closed season 7 inches 4 Artificial lures or natural bait with a
single hook. No live fish allowed as bait.
DELAYED-HARVEST TROUT WATERS
Oct. 1, 2010 – June 3, 2011 ** ** Artificial lures with a single hook.
**No trout may be possessed Natural bait may not be possessed.
**No fishing allowed from ½ hour after sunset on **
June 3, 2011, to 6 a.m. on June 4, 2011
Aug. 1, 2010 – Sept. 30, 2010 None 7 None
June 4, 2011 – July 31, 2011
(Note: youth only fishing from 6 a.m. until
noon on June 4, 2011)
CATCH-AND-RELEASE ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS
No closed season ** None Artificial lures with a single hook.
**No trout may be possessed Natural bait may not be possessed.
CATCH-AND-RELEASE ARTIFICIAL FLIES ONLY TROUT WATERS
No closed season ** None Artificial flies with a single hook.
**No trout may be possessed Natural bait may not be possessed.
SPECIAL REGULATION TROUT WATERS
No closed season Only one fish may be 7 None
-Catawba River from Muddy Creek to greater than 14 inches long
Morganton water intake dam
UNDESIGNATED TROUT WATERS
Aug. 1, 2010 – Feb. 28, 2011 None 7 None
7 a.m. April 2, 2011 – July 31, 2011
March 1, 2011 – April 1, 2011
**Fishing allowed, but no trout may be ** None None
possessed, except in waters listed below
No closed season
-Power supply lakes and municipal water None 7 None
supply lakes
*See page 22 for a definition of artificial lures and natural bait
REGULATIONS FOR MOUNTAIN TROUT
22 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
meet specific management objectives. These are further
classified as follows:
● “Catch and Release/Artificial Lures Only”
● “Catch and Release/Artificial Flies Only”
● “Wild Trout/Natural Bait”
● “Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters”
● or “Special Regulation Trout Waters”
● Some of these public trout waters are also classified as Mountain
Heritage Trout Waters and are identified on page 26.
Fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters
● Fishing is limited to hook and line only.
● An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither con -
tains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish
by the sense of taste or smell.
● Natural bait is defined as any living or dead organism (plant
or animal), or parts thereof, or prepared substances designed
to attract fish by the sense of taste or smell.
● It is unlawful to take fish bait or bait fish from Public Mountain
Trout Waters.
● It is unlawful to possess natural bait while fishing Wild Trout
and Catch-and-Release waters, unless those waters are also
specifically classified for use of natural bait.
● Dropper flies may be used when fishing any Public Mountain
Trout Waters.
● It is unlawful to fish with more than one line per person, except
on power reservoirs and city water supply reservoirs.
● There is no closed season for fishing on power reservoirs and
city water supply reservoirs designated as trout waters.
● Non-trout species may be harvested from Delayed-Harvest Trout
Waters during the catch-and-release only trout season under
applicable size and creel limits.
● It is unlawful to place hatchery-reared fish into a Wild Trout
Water or move wild fish from one stream to another on game
lands without prior written authorization.
● Information and regulations about trout fishing on game lands
are listed on page 27.
Trout Fishing in Undesignated Waters Some waters that
are not designated as Public Mountain Trout Waters (as identified
above) contain mountain trout. When fishing in these undesig -
nated waters, the trout fishing regulations are the same as for
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, except that the trout fishing
license is not required to fish undesignated waters, and there is
no closed season for fishing. However, trout may not be possessed
or retained in the creel when fishing undesignated waters during
the closed season for Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters.
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters There are approxi -
mately 1,100 miles of Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters in
North Caro lina. In hatchery-supported waters there is no size
limit or bait restriction, and the creel limit is seven trout per day.
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters are marked with green-and-white
signs that are posted conspicuously along the watercourses.
The following waters are classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout
Waters (streams that are underlined are stocked with
catchable-size trout at fre quent intervals during the
months of March through August):
Alleghany County
Little River (Whitehead to McCann Dam)
Brush Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Big Pine Creek
Glade Creek
Bledsoe Creek
Piney Fork
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
Meadow Fork
Pine Swamp Creek
Prathers Creek
Cranberry Creek
Ashe County
North Fork New River (Watauga Co. line to Sharp Dam)
Big Horse Creek (Mud Creek at S.R. 1363 to confluence with
North Fork New River)
Buffalo Creek (headwaters to junction of N.C. 194-88 and
S.R. 1131)
Big Laurel Creek
Three Top Creek (except game land portion)
Cranberry Creek (Alleghany Co. line to South Fork New River)
Nathans Creek
Peak Creek (headwaters to Trout Lake, except Blue Ridge
Parkway waters)
Roan Creek
Beaver Creek
Pine Swamp Creek (all forks)
Old Fields Creek
Mill Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Avery County
North Toe River (headwaters to Mitchell Co. line (except where
posted against trespassing)
Squirrel Creek
Elk River (S.R. 1305 crossing immediately upstream of Big Falls
to the Tennessee state line)
Wildcat Lake
Boyde Coffey Lake
Linville River (Land Harbor line [below dam] to the Blue Ridge
Parkway boundary line, except where posted against trespassing)
Milltimber Creek
Buncombe County
Ivy Creek (Ivy River) (Dillingham Creek to U.S. 19-23 bridge)
Dillingham Creek (Corner Rock Creek to Ivy Creek)
Stony Creek
Corner Rock Creek
Reems Creek (Sugar Camp Fork to U.S. 19-23 bridge, except
where posted against trespassing)
Swannanoa River (S.R. 2702 bridge near Ridgecrest to Wood
Avenue bridge [intersection of N.C. 81 and U.S. 74A in Asheville],
except where posted against trespassing)
Bent Creek (headwaters to N.C. Arboretum boundary line)
Cane Creek (headwaters to S.R. 3138 bridge)
Lake Powhatan
Burke County
Henry Fork (lower South Mountains State Park line
downstream to S.R. 1919 at Ivy Creek)
Carroll Creek (game lands above S.R. 1405)
Linville River (portion within Linville Gorge Wilderness Area,
(LGWA), including tributaries, and portion below Lake James
power house from upstream bridge on S.R. 1223 to Muddy
Creek) (Note there is no closed season within LGWA.)
Caldwell County
Wilson Creek (Phillips Branch to Brown Mountain Beach Dam,
except where posted against trespassing)
Boone Fork Pond
Yadkin River (Happy Valley Ruritan Community Park to SR 1515)
Buffalo Creek (mouth of Joe’s Creek to McCloud Branch)
Joes Creek (first falls upstream of S.R. 1574 to confluence with
Buffalo Creek)
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 23
Cherokee County
Shuler Creek (Joe Brown Hwy. (S.R. 1325) bridge to Tennessee line)
Davis Creek (confluence of Bald and Dockery creeks to Hanging
Dog Creek)
Valley River (headwaters to U.S. 19 business bridge in Murphy)
Hyatt Creek
Junaluska Creek (Ashturn Creek to Valley River)
Clay County
Fires Creek (foot bridge in the U.S. Forest Service Fires Creek
Picnic Area to S.R. 1300)
Tusquitee Creek (headwaters to lower S.R. 1300 bridge)
Buck Creek (game land portion downstream of U.S. 64 bridge)
Graham County
Calderwood Reservoir (Cheoah Dam to Tennessee state line)
Yellow Creek
Santeetlah Creek (Johns Branch to mouth, including portions of
tributaries on game lands, excluding Johns Branch and Little
Santeetlah Creek)
West Buffalo Creek
Mountain Creek (game lands boundary to S.R. 1138 bridge)
Big Snowbird Creek (old railroad junction to S.R. 1127 bridge
including portions of tributaries on game lands)
Long Creek (portion not on game lands)
Tulula Creek (headwaters to lower bridge on S.R. 1275)
Cheoah Reservoir
Stecoah Creek
Panther Creek
Haywood County
Pigeon River (Stamey Cove Branch to upstream U.S. 19-23 bridge)
Cold Springs Creek
Jonathan Creek (upstream S.R. 1302 bridge to Pigeon River,
except where posted against trespass)
West Fork Pigeon River (Tom Creek to Queen Creek, including
portions on game lands, except Middle Prong)
Richland Creek (Russ Avenue (U.S. 276) bridge to U.S. 23-74
bridge)
Henderson County
(Rocky) Broad River (Rocky River Lane to Rutherford Co. line)
Green River—upper (mouth of Joe Creek to mouth of Bobs Creek)
Green River—lower (Lake Summit Dam to I-26 bridge)
(Big) Hungry River
Little Hungry River
Cane Creek (S.R. 1551 bridge to U.S. 25 bridge)
Clear Creek (S.R. 1591 bridge at Jack Mountain Lane to S.R. 1582)
Jackson County
Tuckasegee River—upper (confluence with West Fork
Tuckasegee River to N.C. 107 bridge at Love Field)
Tuckasegee River—lower (Dillsboro Dam to S.R. 1534 bridge
at Wilmot)
Scott Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Dark Ridge Creek (Jones Creek to Scott Creek)
Savannah Creek (headwaters to Bradley’s packing house on N.C.116)
Green’s Creek (Green’s Creek Baptist Church on S.R. 1730 to
Savannah Creek)
Cullowhee Creek (Tilley Creek to Tuckasegee River)
Balsam Lake
Bear Creek Lake
Wolf Creek Lake
Tanasee Creek Lake
Macon County
Nantahala River (Nantahala Dam to Whiteoak Creek and
Nantahala hydropower discharge canal to Swain County line)
Queens Creek Lake
Burningtown Creek
Cullasaja River (Sequoyah Dam to U.S. 64 bridge near junction
of S.R. 1672, excluding the game land portions of Buck Creek
and Turtle Pond Creek)
Ellijay Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Cliffside Lake
Cartoogechaye Creek (downstream U.S. 64 bridge to Little
Tennessee River)
Madison County
Shut-in Creek
Spring Creek (junction of N.C. 209 and N.C. 63 to U.S. Forest
Service Road 223)
Little Creek
Meadow Fork Creek (except Little Creek)
Roaring Fork
Max Patch Pond
Big Laurel Creek (Mars Hill watershed boundary to the S.R. 1318
[Big Laurel Road] bridge downstream of Bearpen Branch)
Spillcorn Creek (entire stream, excluding tributaries)
Shelton Laurel Creek (confluence of Big Creek and Mill Creek
to N.C. 208 bridge at Belva)
Mill Creek (headwaters to confluence with Big Creek)
Big Pine Creek (S.R. 1151 bridge to French Broad River)
Puncheon Fork (Hampton Creek to Big Laurel Creek)
Little Ivy Creek (confluence of Middle Fork and Paint Fork at
Beech Glen to confluence with Ivy Creek at Forks of Ivy)
McDowell County
Catawba River (Catawba Falls Campground to Old Fort
Recreation Park)
Little Buck Creek (game land portion)
North Fork Catawba River (headwaters to North Cove School
at S.R. 1569 bridge)
Armstrong Creek (Cato Holler lower line downstream to
Greenlee upper line)
Mill Creek (upper railroad bridge to U.S. 70 bridge, except
where posted against trespassing)
Mitchell County
Big Rock Creek (headwaters to N.C. 226 bridge at S.R. 1307
intersection)
Little Rock Creek (Green Creek bridge to Big Rock Creek,
except where posted against trespassing)
Cane Creek (S.R. 1219 to N.C. 226 bridge)
Grassy Creek (East Fork Grassy Creek to mouth)
East Fork Grassy Creek
North Toe River (Avery Co. line to S.R. 1121 bridge)
Polk County
North Pacolet River (Joels Creek to N.C. 108 bridge)
Green River (Mouth of Cove Creek to the natural gas pipeline
crossing)
Rutherford County
(Rocky) Broad River (Henderson Co. line to U.S. 64/74 bridge,
except where posted against trespassing)
Stokes County
Dan River (Virginia state line downstream to a point 200 yards
below the end of S.R. 1421)
Surry County
Pauls Creek (Virginia state line to 0.3 miles below S.R. 1625 bridge)
Fisher River (Cooper Creek) (Virginia state line to Interstate 77
bridge)
Little Fisher River (Virginia state line to N.C. 89 bridge)
Ararat River (S.R. 1727 bridge downstream to the N.C. 103 bridge)
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
24 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Swain County
Calderwood Reservoir (Cheoah Dam to Tennessee state line)
Cheoah Reservoir
Deep Creek (Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary
line to Tuckasegee River)
Connelly Creek
Alarka Creek (game lands boundary to mouth)
Nantahala River (Macon Co. line to existing Fontana Lake
water level)
Transylvania County
French Broad River (junction of west and north forks to
U.S. 276 bridge)
Davidson River (Avery Creek to lower U.S. Forest Service
boundary line)
Middle Fork French Broad River
West Fork French Broad River (S.R. 1312 and S.R. 1309
intersection to junction of west and north forks)
Watauga County
North Fork New River (from confluence with Maine and Mine
branches to Ashe Co. line)
Maine Branch (headwaters to North Fork New River)
Meat Camp Creek
Norris Fork Creek
Howard Creek (downstream from lower falls)
Middle Fork New River (Lake Chetola dam to South
Fork New River)
Stony Fork (headwaters to Wilkes Co. line)
Elk Creek (headwaters to gravel pit on S.R. 1508, except where
posted against trespassing)
Beech Creek
Buckeye Creek Reservoir
Coffee Lake
Laurel Creek
Cove Creek (S.R. 1233 bridge at Zionville to S.R. 1233 bridge
at Amantha)
Dutch Creek (second bridge on S.R. 1134 to mouth)
Beaverdam Creek (confluence of Beaverdam Creek and Little
Beaverdam Creek to an unnamed tributary adjacent to the
intersection of S.R. 1201 and S.R. 1203)
Wilkes County
East Prong Roaring River (lower state park boundary to Brewer’s
Mill on S.R. 1943)
Middle Prong Roaring River (headwaters to second bridge on
S.R. 1736)
Pike Creek Pond
Bell Branch Pond
Boundary Line Pond
Pike Creek
Cub Creek (0.5 miles upstream of S.R. 2460 bridge to S.R.
1001 bridge)
Middle Fork Reddies River (Clear Prong)(headwaters to bridge
on S.R. 1580)
South Fork Reddies River (headwaters to confluence with
Middle Fork Reddies River)
North Fork Reddies River (Vannoy Creek) (headwaters to Union
School bridge on S.R. 1559)
Darnell Creek (North Prong Reddies River) (downstream ford
on S.R. 1569 to confluence with North Fork Reddies River)
South Prong Lewis Fork (headwaters to Lewis Fork Baptist Church)
Fall Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Yancey County
Cane River (Bee Branch [S.R. 1110] to Bowlens Creek)
Bald Mountain Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Price Creek (junction of S.R. 1120 and S.R. 1121 to Indian Creek)
South Toe River (Clear Creek to lower boundary line of Yancey
Co. recreation park, except where posted against trespassing)
Wild Trout Waters In all Wild Trout Waters, the minimum
length limit is seven inches and the creel limit is four trout per
day. Only artificial lures with one single hook may be used. All
Public Mountain Trout Waters located on game lands are Wild
Trout Waters unless classified and posted otherwise. The following
streams are also classified as Wild Trout Waters and are marked
with blue-and-gold signs, which are posted conspicuously along
the watercourses:
Alleghany County
Big Sandy Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Stone Mountain Creek (portion on Stone Mountain
State Park)
Avery County
Birchfield Creek
Cow Camp Creek
Cranberry Creek (headwaters to U.S. 19E/N.C. 194 bridge)
Gragg Prong
Horse Creek
Jones Creek
Kentucky Creek
North Harper Creek
Plumtree Creek
Roaring Creek
Rockhouse Creek
South Harper Creek
Webb Prong
Burke County
All waters located on South Mountains State Park except the
main stream of Jacob Fork between the mouth of Shinny Creek
and the lower park boundary and Henry Fork and its tributaries.
Nettle Branch (game land portion)
Caldwell County
Buffalo Creek (Watauga Co. line to Long Ridge Branch including
tributaries on game lands)
Joes Creek (Watauga Co. line to first falls upstream of the end of
S.R. 1574)
Rockhouse Creek
Graham County
Little Buffalo Creek
South Fork Squally Creek
Squally Creek
Henderson County
Green River (I-26 bridge to Henderson/Polk Co. line)
Jackson County
Gage Creek
North Fork Scott Creek
Tanasee Creek
Whitewater River (downstream from Silver Run Creek to South
Carolina state line)
Wolf Creek (except Balsam Lake)
Mitchell County
Green Creek (headwaters to Green Creek bridge, except where
posted against trespassing)
Little Rock Creek (above Green Creek, including all tributaries,
except where posted against trespassing)
Wiles Creek (game land boundary to mouth)
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 25
Polk County
Green River (Henderson/Polk Co. line to Fishtop Falls Access Area)
Transylvania County
All waters located on Gorges State Park
Whitewater River (downstream from Silver Run Creek to South
Carolina state line)
Watauga County
Dutch Creek (headwaters to second bridge on S.R. 1134)
Howards Creek (headwaters to lower falls)
Watauga River (Avery Co. line to steel bridge at Riverside Farm Road)
Winkler Creek (lower bridge on S.R. 1549 to confluence with
South Fork New River)
Wilkes County
Big Sandy Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Garden Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Widow Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Yancey County
Cattail Creek (bridge at Mountain Farm Community Road to
N.C. 197 bridge)
Lickskillet Creek
Middle Creek (game land boundary to mouth)
OTHER REGULATED TROUT WATERS
Certain Public Mountain Trout Waters are managed under very
restrictive regulations to meet specific management objectives.
These waters are marked with signs that are posted
conspicuously along the watercourses.
Catch-and-Release/Artificial Lures Only Waters The
following trout waters and their tributaries, except as noted, may
be fished only with artificial lures having one single hook. No
trout may be harvested or possessed while fishing these streams.
These streams are marked with purple-and-gold signs.
Ashe County
Big Horse Creek (Virginia state line to Mud Creek at S.R. 1363,
excluding tributaries)
Unnamed tributary of Three Top Creek (game land portion)
Avery County
Wilson Creek (game land portion)
Buncombe County
Carter Creek (game land portion)
Burke County
Henry Fork (portion on South Mountains State Park)
Jackson County
Tuckasegee River (above the Clark property)
Flat Creek
McDowell County
Newberry Creek (game land portion)
Watauga County
Dugger Creek (portions on Reynolds Blue Ridge development,
including tributaries. Anglers must check in at their security
office on Triplett Rd. prior to fishing)
Laurel Creek (portions on Reynolds Blue Ridge development,
including tributaries. Anglers must check in at their security
office on Triplett Rd. prior to fishing)
Wilkes County
Dugger Creek (portions on Reynolds Blue Ridge development,
including tributaries. Anglers must check in at their security
office on Triplett Rd. prior to fishing)
Harris Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Catch-and-Release/Artificial Flies Only Waters The
following trout waters and their tributaries, except as noted,
may be fished only with artificial flies having one single hook.
No trout may be harvested or possessed while fishing these
streams. These streams are marked with red-and-gold signs.
Avery County
Elk River (portion on Lees-McRae College property, excluding
the millpond)
Lost Cove Creek (game land portion, excluding Gragg Prong
and Rockhouse Creek)
Transylvania County
Davidson River (headwaters to Avery Creek, excluding Avery
Creek, Looking Glass Creek and Grogan Creek)
Yancey County
South Toe River (headwaters to Upper Creek, including
tributaries)
Upper Creek (headwaters to South Toe River, including
tributaries)
Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters The following trout waters,
excluding tributaries except as noted, may be fished only with
artifi cial lures with one single hook. No natural bait may be
possessed, and no trout may be harvested or possessed while
fishing these waters between Oct. 1, 2010 and 30 minutes
after sunset on June 3, 2011. These waters are closed to fishing
between 30 minutes after sunset on June 3 and 6 a.m. on June 4.
At 6 a.m. on June 4, 2011, these waters open to fishing for youths
under 16 years old under Hatchery-Supported regulations—
no bait restriction, no minimum length limit and seven-trout-per-
day creel limit. At 12 p.m. on June 4, 2011, these waters
open for all anglers under Hatchery-Supported regu la tions.
These waters are marked with black-and-white signs.
Ashe County
Trout Lake
Helton Creek (Virginia state line to New River)
Burke County
Jacob Fork (Shinny Creek to lower South Mountains State
Park boundary)
Caldwell County
Wilson Creek (game land portion below Lost Cove Creek to
Phillips Branch)
Haywood County
West Fork Pigeon River (Queen Creek to the first game land
boundary upstream of Lake Logan)
Henderson County
North Fork Mills River (game land portion below the
Hendersonville watershed dam)
Jackson County
Tuckasegee River (N.C. 107 bridge at Love Field to the
Dillsboro dam)
Macon County
Nantahala River (Whiteoak Creek to Nantahala hydropower
discharge canal)
Madison County
Big Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge to the U.S. 25-70 bridge)
Shelton Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge at Belva to the
confluence with Big Laurel Creek)
McDowell County
Curtis Creek (game land portion downstream of the U.S. Forest
Service boundary at Deep Branch)
Mill Creek (U.S. 70 bridge to I-40 bridge)
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
26 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Mitchell County
Cane Creek (N.C. 226 bridge to N.C. 80 bridge)
North Toe River (U.S. 19E bridge to N.C. 226 bridge)
Polk County
Green River (Fishtop Falls Access Area to the confluence with
Cove Creek)
Surry County
Mitchell River (0.6 mile upstream of the end of S.R. 1333 to the
S.R. 1330 bridge below Kapps Mill Dam)
Transylvania County
East Fork French Broad River (Glady Fork to French Broad River)
Little River (confluence of Lake Dense to 100 yards downstream
of Hooker Falls)
Watauga County
Watauga River (adjacent to intersection of S.R. 1557 and S.R.
1558 to N.C. 105 bridge and S.R. 1114 bridge to N.C. 194
bridge at Valle Crucis)
Wilkes County
East Prong Roaring River (mouth of Bullhead Creek down stream
to Stone Mountain State Park boundary line)
Stone Mountain Creek (from falls at Alleghany Co. line to con -
fluence with East Prong Roaring River and Bullhead Creek)
Reddies River (Town of North Wilkesboro water intake dam to
confluence with Yadkin River)
Wild Trout: Natural Bait Waters The following trout
waters and their tributaries, except as noted, may be fished with
artificial lures or natural bait, except live fish. Lures and natural
baits are restricted to one single hook. The minimum length
limit is seven inches, and the daily creel limit is four trout.
These streams are marked with brown-and-gold signs.
Cherokee County
Bald Creek (game land portions)

2010-2011
NORTH CAROLINA
Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping
Regulations Digest
Effective Aug.1, 2010
to July 31, 2011
This publication is furnished free by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
Find the Regulations Digest online at www.ncwildlife.org.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Bev Perdue, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Dee Freeman, Secretary
NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE
RESOURCES COMMISSION
Steve Windham, Chairman
Winnabow
Charles W. Bennett, Vice-Chairman
Matthews
Randy Allen
Charlotte
Joe Barker
New Bern
John Litton Clark
Clinton
Nat T. Harris
Burlington
David W. Hoyle Jr.
Dallas
Russell Maughan Hull Jr.
Elizabeth City
Durwood S. Laughinghouse
Raleigh
Martin Lewis
Asheville
Wendell H. (Dell) Murphy Jr.
Wallace
W. Douglas Parsons
Clinton
Eugene Price
Dudley
Bobby Purcell
Cary
Dalton Ruffin
Winston-Salem
Wes Seegars
Goldsboro
Berkley C. Skinner III
Rocky Mount
Mitch St. Clair Sr.
Washington
W. Ray White
Nags Head
Gordon Myers Executive Director
Mallory G. Martin Chief Deputy Director
Dear Wildlife Stakeholders,
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission proposes adjustments
to hunting, fishing and trapping seasons each year in response to wildlife
population changes, wildlife conservation objectives, or public needs and
desires. This year, we also adjusted our rulemaking cycle by moving annual
public hearings to September to better ensure timely adoption of rules and
provide better service to North Carolina sportsmen and sportswomen.
We completed our strategic plan, identifying seven broad goals to support
wildlife conservation efforts and provide sustainable opportunities for fish-ing,
boating, hunting, trapping and other wildlife-related activities for all of
North Carolina’s citizens. Strategic objectives within each goal direct actions
necessary to achieve our vision, and these actions form the basis for Commis -
sion programs that deliver effective wildlife conservation across the state.
We invite you to review the plan. It is intended to be revised and updated
as needed, as we continually refine our approaches to the challenges of
wildlife conservation. You can find a copy of the plan on our website at
www.ncwildlife.org.
With the launch of our e-newsletter, N.C. Wildlife Update, we now offer you
timely information, such as season dates, agency news releases, program and
legislative updates, education workshops, events and more. Subscribe at
www.ncwildlife.org/enews.
While we look forward to your input at our public hearings each year, we
welcome your comments and suggestions throughout the year. Communicating
with our stakeholders is a priority for the Commission and public comment is
a critical component in our decision-making process. We urge you to let us
know your views. Attend a public hearing, write to us at 1701 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701, call us at (919) 707-0010, or send an e-mail
to wrccomments@ncwildlife.org.
From the beautiful beaches, black water streams and pocosins of our coast; the
rolling hills, woodlands, lakes and rivers of our piedmont, to the clear mountain
streams and majestic forests of our mountains, we are fortunate to enjoy some
of the most diverse outdoor opportunities in the nation. We encourage you to
get out in the field and on the water and take part in North Carolina’s natural
world through wildlife-associated recreation. Your participation is a contribu -
tion to wildlife and future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Sincerely,
Steve Windham Gordon Myers
Chairman Executive Director
N.C. WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION
CENTERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE EDUCATION
Visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org for maps to our facilities.
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 1
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Big Game Harvest Reporting ..............................(800) I-GOT-ONE
............................................................................(800-446-8663)
Boating Access Areas ............................................(919) 707-0150
Boating Safety Course Information ........................(919) 707-0031
Conservation Education Division ..........................(919) 707-0170
Enforcement Operations Office ............................(919) 707-0030
Engineering Division ............................................(919) 707-0150
Hunter Safety Course Information ........................(919) 707-0031
Inland Fisheries Division ......................................(919) 707-0220
License Information ............................................(888) 248-6834
License Purchases by Credit Card ....................(888) 2HUNTFISH
............................................................................(888-248-6834)
Marine Fisheries ..................................................(252) 726-7021
............................................................................(800-682-2632)
Migratory Bird Hunting Dates & Shooting Hours ......(800) 675-0263
Personnel Officer ..................................................(919) 707-0101
Regulation Information ........................................(919) 707-0030
Wildlife Calendar ..................................................(866) 945-3746
Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine/N.C. Wild Store Products
........................................................................ (866) WILDSHOP
............................................................................(866-945-3746)
Vessel Registration and Titling ..........................(800) NC-VESSEL
............................................................................(800-628-3773)
Violations Reporting ............................................(800) 662-7137
................................................(919) 707-0040 in the Raleigh area
..................................................................(800) 662-7137vTTY*
*(TTY machine available for people with hearing disabilities)
Wildlife Management Division ..............................(919) 707-0050
CONTENTS
License Information ..........................................2
General Information ..............................................................2
License Requirements and Exceptions ....................................2
License Type Descriptions ......................................................3
License Type Charts................................................................9
Disabled Sportsman Information ........................11
The Wildlife Endowment Fund ............................11
Lifetime Hunting and Inland Fishing Licenses ......................11
Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) ..........12
Inland Fishing Regulations and Information ........16
General Information ............................................................16
Inland Game Fish ................................................................16
Warmwater Game Fish ........................................................18
Mountain Trout ....................................................................21
Public Mountain Trout Waters ..............................................21
Nongame Fish......................................................................28
Fish Consumption Advisories ..............................................32
Miscellaneous Prohibitions ..................................................34
General Fishing Information ................................................35
Nongame Regulations and Information ..............38
Trapping Regulations and Information ................39
Hunting Regulations and Information ..................41
Manner of Taking ................................................................41
Hunting on Federal Lands....................................................44
Big Game ............................................................................44
Bear ..................................................................................44
Deer..................................................................................45
Wild Boar..........................................................................54
Wild Turkey ......................................................................54
Season Maps ........................................................................46
Big Game Harvest and Reporting ..........................................55
Small Game and Other Seasons ............................................55
Migratory Birds ....................................................................56
Federal Regulations ..............................................................58
Game Lands ..................................................62
Game Lands License ................................................................62
Game Lands Restrictions......................................................62
Disabled Access and Disabled Sportsman Programs..............64
Either-Sex Seasons and Other Rules......................................64
Local Laws ....................................................72
Local Fox Laws ....................................................................72
Hunting and Trapping..........................................................72
Big Game Harvest Reports ................................80
Sunrise-Sunset Table ........................................85
Cover photos Left: Derek Argotti holds a 46" female muskellunge that was
caught and released. Photo by Brian Argotti. Right: Larry Dickerson, president of
the North American Falconers Association, holds a Finnish goshawk. Photo by
Keith Hendrickson.
425,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $74,123 or
$.174407 per copy. Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
s
9 8
7
6
5 3
4
2
1
Ashe
Watauga Wilkes
Alleghany
Surry Stokes
Yadkin Forsyth
Avery
Caldwell
Alexander
Iredell
Davie
Davidson
Rockingham
Guilford
Randolph
Rowan
Cabarrus
Stanly
Montgomery
Catawba
Lincoln
Gaston
Mecklenburg
Union Anson
Richmond
Moore
Chatham
Alamance
Caswell
Orange
Person
Durham
Burke
Cleveland
Rutherford
McDowell
Mitchell
Yancey
Madison
Buncombe
Henderson
Polk
Haywood
Transylvania
Jackson
Swain
Macon
Graham
Cherokee
Clay
Lee
Wake
Harnett
Hoke
Scotland
Robeson
Cumberland
Sampson
Granville
Vance
Franklin
Nash
Wilson
Wayne
Johnston
Duplin
Pitt
Edgecombe
Halifax
Warren
Northampton
Bertie
Martin
Greene
Lenoir
Jones
Onslow
Beaufort
Pamlico
Washington
Hertford
Gates
Bladen Pender
Craven
Hyde
Tyrrell
Dare
Carteret
Columbus
Pasquotank
ChowanPerquiman Camden
Currituck
New
Hanover
Brunswick Pisgah Center
for Wildlife Education
1401 Fish Hatchery Road
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Phone: (828) 877-4423
John E. Pechmann
Fishing Education Center
7489 Raeford Road
Fayetteville, N.C. 28304
Phone: (910) 868-5003
◆
Get N.C. Wildlife Update – news including season dates, bag limits,
legislative updates and more – delivered to your Inbox from the N.C.
Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildife.org/enews.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All
wildlife programs are administered for the benefit of all North Carolina citizens
without prejudice toward age, sex, race, religion or national origin. Violations of
this pledge may be reported to the Equal Employment Officer, 1703 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1703, Tel. (919) 707-0101.
Centennial Campus Center
for Wildlife Education
NCWRC HEADQUARTERS
NCSU–Centennial Campus
1751 Varsity Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 707-0205
Outer Banks Center
for Wildlife Education
1160 Village Lane
Corolla, NC 27927
Phone: (252) 453-0221
● ●
◆
◆
●
●
◆
2 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS
License Identification Requirements To show entitlement
to a license issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission, any -
one exercising the privileges conveyed by the license shall carry
a picture identification card and show it to any wildlife enforce -
ment officer upon request. The picture identification card
should include the license-holder’s correct name, address and
date of birth. (A North Carolina Driver License or Dept. of
Motor Vehicles identification card is acceptable.)
Residency Definitions and Requirements
Resident—You are considered a resident if you have resided in
the state for six months or have been domiciled (established a
permanent residence) for 60 days. When residency is used to
establish eligibility, the applicant must complete a Certificate of
Residency, available from a wildlife service agent or the Wildlife
Resources Commission, certifying that he has maintained his
residence in a county of the state for at least 60 days with the
intent to reside there permanently or indefinitely.
Students—Nonresident students may purchase a resident license
while attending a university, college or community college in
North Carolina. When pur chasing your license from a wildlife
service agent, you must show your valid student identification.
Military—Nonresident members of the armed forces (including
their spouses and children under 18) who are stationed in the
state are deemed residents of the state and of the counties in which
they reside for the purpose of purchasing resident licenses.
County—Resident county licenses are limited to the county in
which the person resides.
Nonresident—Nonresident status applies to anyone who does not
live in the state of North Carolina, with the exceptions noted
above (students and members of the armed forces).
Hunter Safety Course Requirement No person, regardless
of age, may procure a hunting license in this state with out first
producing a Certificate of Competency showing comple tion of a
hunter safety course or a hunting license issued prior to July 1,
1991, or a signed statement (shown on the license) that he or
she had such a license. The hunter safety course is a min imum
of 10 contact hours. Each student must score a minimum of 70
on the written exam and must also meet the “hands-on” min imum
requirements. For more information pertaining to hunter safety
courses, visit us online at www. ncwildlife.org, or write to the
NCWRC Division of Wildlife Enforcement, 1718 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1718.
Big Game Harvest Report Card Requirement Big game
harvest report cards always expire on June 30 of each year. If
your hunting license and big game hunting privilege license are
still valid after the big game harvest report card expires, you may
obtain a replenishment card at no charge from either the Wild -
life Resources Commission or any wildlife service agent. Lifetime
license-holders also may obtain the big game harvest report card
by going online at www.ncwildlife.org, calling (888) 248-6834,
or visiting a wildlife service agent. Persons exempt by law from
the big game hunting license must obtain a “License-Exempt Big
Game Harvest Report Card” for license-exempt hunters (at no
charge) from a wild life service agent. For more information on
license exceptions, refer to the “Exceptions to License Require -
ments” section on this page. Autho rization numbers for big game
animals, taken prior to receiving the big game harvest report card
via the mail (when license is purchased by telephone), must be
recorded and avail able for inspection. Once the harvest report
card is received by mail, the big game kill authorization number
General Information The services that the North Caro -
lina Wildlife Resources Commission provides to the public are
financed primarily through the sale of licenses, which include
hunt ing, fishing, trapping and other licenses. The var ious types
of licenses sold by the Commission differ with respect to the
activ ities they authorize, where and when the activities occur,
and where the license-holder resides. This section pro vides
some gen eral information about these licenses, followed by
detailed sum maries of the various licenses available, the
privileges they authorize and the associated fees. All licenses
are nontrans ferable.
Replacement Licenses To replace a license that becomes
worn, lost or destroyed, call (888) 248-6834 or go to www.
ncwildlife.org to obtain an application. A $5 fee is charged to
defray the cost of processing.
Reciprocal Fishing License Agreements A reciprocal
fishing license agree ment is in effect between North Carolina
and each of the states listed below. The agreement provides
for the following: All state wide hook-and-line fishing licenses
obtainable from either North Carolina or the respective state
are honored on certain boundary waters as noted:
Georgia—The agreement with Georgia covers fishing from boats
not anchored to the shore or to a pier or boat dock connecting
to the shore on Chatuge Reservoir including all tributaries that
are accessible by boat from the main body of the reservoir.
Tennessee—The agreement with Tennessee covers the state-line por -
tion of Slick Rock Creek and boat fishing on Calderwood Reservoir.
Virginia—The agreement with Virginia covers the Dan River east
of the Brantly Steam Plant Dam, the Staunton River east of the
Rt. 360 bridge, and Kerr and Gaston reservoirs and their tribu -
taries that are accessible by boat. The Rt. 360 bridge is the first
bridge crossing the Staunton River upstream of Kerr Reservoir.
The agreement also covers that portion of the New River between
the confluence of the North and South forks of the New River in
North Carolina (Alleghany County) and the confluence of the
New and Little rivers in Virginia (Grayson County).
No reciprocal agreements exist between North Carolina and South
Carolina that provide for honoring the other state’s fishing
licenses on any boundary waters.
Purchasing Licenses You can purchase a license in four ways:
● Visit a wildlife service agent—Most licenses, including life -
time licenses, can be obtained from your local wildlife service
agent. Be prepared to present your valid driver license or state
identification card.
● Visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org—Most licenses are
avail able for purchase online.
● Phone (888) 2HUNTFISH (888) 248-6834—Have a pen,
paper, VISA or MasterCard, your driver license number and
WRC customer number handy.
● All licenses may be obtained directly from the Wildlife
Resources Com mission in person at NCSU Centennial
Campus, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC or by mail.
Please note: Sportsmen purchasing licenses online or by telephone
will be eligible to exercise the privileges of the license immediately
after completing the transaction or telephone call.
License Information For more information on licenses,
obtaining license applications or obtaining a list of wildlife ser -
vice agents nearest you, visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org, call
us at (888) 248-6834, or write to this address: NCWRC, 1707
Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707.
LICENSE INFORMATION
must be recorded on the harvest report card and the card
validated for the appropriate animal. For more information
on big game reporting, refer to the “Big Game Harvest and
Reporting” section on page 55.
HIP Certification Requirement All licensed hunters hunt ing
migratory game birds (doves, rails, woodcocks, gallinule, snipes
or water fowl) in North Carolina are required to have a certificate
of par ticipation in the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP).
This certification can be obtained free of charge by going online at
www.ncwildlife.org, calling (888) 248-6834, or visiting a wild -
life service agent. Persons exempt by law from the hunt ing license
requirement are not required to obtain the HIP certification.
Federal Duck Stamp In addition to the North Carolina
water fowl privilege, waterfowl hunters 16 years of age and
older are required to carry on their person the federal duck
stamp, signed in ink across the face. Federal duck stamps can
be obtained at most U.S. post offices or from selected wildlife
service agents. Visit www.duckstamp.com to order the duck
stamp online or to find the duck stamp retailer nearest you.
The federal duck stamp expires on June 30 of each year.
Exceptions to License Requirements
General
● A youth under age 16, accompanied by a properly licensed
adult, may enjoy those privileges conveyed by the licenses
held by the accompanying adult.
● A youth under 16, who has obtained a certificate of competency
showing his or her completion of the hunter safety course, may
hunt without a license, but must carry his or her certificate
while hunting.
● A landowner or person leasing land primarily for cultivation,
their spouse, and dependents under 18 residing with them,
Resident Nonresident
$20 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$40 N/A
FREE N/A
LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTIONS
Purchase your license online at www.ncwildlife.org
HUNTING AND INLAND FISHING COMBINATION LICENSES
Following is a list of annual and lifetime combination hunting and inland fishing licenses and the privilege license(s) and certification(s)
associated with each. Privilege licenses and certifications authorize a particular hunting or inland fishing activity not included with a basic
license type. Privileges may be purchased separately if the purchaser holds a valid basic license. If a privilege license is not listed, the
license type includes the special hunting or inland fishing activity. HIP Certification is required for all those planning to hunt migratory
game birds, including lifetime license-holders. See page 7 for a complete list of privileges and certifications.
LICENSE INFORMATION
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 3
may hunt, trap and fish on such land without a license.
● A resident of this state who is a member of the Armed Forces of
the United States serving outside the state, or who is on full-time
military duty outside the state in a reserve component of the Armed
Forces of the United States is exempt from hunting, inland and
coastal fishing license requirements while on leave in this state
for 30 days or less. Those who qualify for this exemption shall
carry on his or her person at all times, during the hunting or
fishing activity, their military identification card and a copy of
the official document confirming they are on authorized leave
from a duty station outside of North Carolina.
An individual exempt from the requirements of a hunting license
must obtain a “License-Exempt Big Game Harvest Report Card”
from the Wildlife Resources Commission or a wildlife service agent,
at no charge, when exercising the privileges of big game hunting.
Inland Fishing
● Persons under age 16 are exempt from the requirement of a
basic inland fishing and trout privilege license.
● The game lands license is not required to fish in any waters
on game lands or Wildlife Conservation Areas.
● An inland fishing license is not required to fish in a private pond.
A private pond is a body of water arising within and lying wholly
upon the lands of a single owner or a single group of joint owners
or tenants in common, and from which fish cannot escape, and
into which fish of legal size cannot enter from public waters at
any time. A pond or lake located on land owned by a public
body such as a state-supported university or a governmental
entity is not a private pond.
● July 4th is declared “FREE FISHING DAY,” and a fishing license
and trout privilege license are not required in any public waters
on this date.
ANNUAL LICENSES Annual licenses, privileges and certifications are valid for 12 months from the
date of purchase. Refer to page 13 for a list of annual Unified Sportsman /Coastal Fishing licenses.
•Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide hunting and inland fishing for resi -
dents during a license term. Includes fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
•Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents during a license term. Includes the
privileges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for water fowl (does not include
federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands,
and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
4 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. LICENSE INFORMATION
Resident Nonresident
$500 $1,000
N/A $125
FREE FREE
$350 $350
$200 $200
$15 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$100 N/A
FREE N/A
$100 N/A
FREE N/A
LIFETIME LICENSES Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license-holder. The privilege license and HIP
Certification are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Refer to pages 13–14 for a list of lifetime Unified
Sportsman/Coastal Fishing licenses.
•Sportsman (ages 12 & older): Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game,
hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public
Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not
include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License and Certification Available:
Bear/Wild Boar Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the lifetime sportsman license, to hunt
bear or wild boar.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Sportsman (ages 1–11): Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting
on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing
in coastal waters.
•Sportsman (under age 1): Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting
on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing
in coastal waters.
•Age 65 (or older) Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents. Includes hunting
for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing
in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does
not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Disabled Veteran Hunting and Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide basic hunting and inland fishing for
residents who are 50 percent or more disabled veterans as determined by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It
does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Totally Disabled Hunting and Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide basic hunting and inland fishing
for residents who are totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration
or the Railroad Retirement Board. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters
on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 11 for
application instructions.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Disabled Veteran Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents who are 50 percent or
more disabled as determined by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game
lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters,
fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Totally Disabled Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents who are totally and
permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck
stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint
waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 5
LICENSE INFORMATION
HUNTING LICENSES
Following is a list of short-term, annual and lifetime hunting licenses and the privilege license(s) and certification associated with each.
Privilege licenses and certifications authorize a particular hunting activity not included with a basic license type. Privileges may be pur chased
separately if the purchaser holds a valid basic license. If a privilege license is not listed, the license type includes the special hunting
activity. HIP Certification is required for all those planning to hunt migratory game birds, including lifetime license-holders. See page 7 for a
complete list of privileges and certifications. See table below for reciprocal license fee information for Ga., S.C., Tenn., and Va. residents.
Resident Nonresident
N/A $40*
N/A $40*
N/A $125
N/A $15
N/A $10
N/A FREE
$15 $60*
$10 $60*
N/A $125
$15 $15
$10 $10
FREE FREE
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$30 N/A
FREE N/A
$250 N/A
FREE N/A
License type Ga. S.C. Tenn. Va.
Season Hunt $ 60 $125 $ 60 $80
Season Big Game $118 $100 $100 $60
6-Day Hunt $ 40 $ 70 $ 55 $50
6-Day Big Game $103 $ 70 $ 50 $50
SHORT-TERM LICENSE Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license. Privileges and
certifi cations are valid 12 months from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. If planning to hunt on Sunday on
a military installation that allows Sunday hunting, license must be purchased online at www.ncwildlife.org, by mail,
by telephone (888) 248-6834, or in person at WRC headquarters in Raleigh.
•State Hunting—Six-Day (basic): Statewide hunting for nonresidents during the six-day period
specified on the license.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting—Six-Day: Hunting of deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey during the six-day
period specified on the license. This license privilege is needed in addition to the basic state hunting
license. Does not include the nonresident bear/wild boar hunting privilege.
Bear/Wild Boar Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the short-term state hunting license
and the big game hunting privilege, to hunt bear or wild boar.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual licenses, privileges, and certifications are valid for 12 months from the
date of purchase.
•State Hunting (basic): Statewide hunting during a license term.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey. Nonresidents hunting bear or
wild boar must also purchase the Bear/Wild Boar Privilege License.
Bear/Wild Boar Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the annual state hunting license and
the big game hunting privilege, to hunt bear or wild boar.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•County Hunting (basic): Hunting within the county of residence during a license term.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Comprehensive Hunting: Statewide hunting for residents during a license term. Also includes the
privileges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands and hunting for waterfowl (does not include
federal duck stamp).
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license-holder. The HIP Certification is valid
for 12 months from date of purchase.
•State Comprehensive Hunting: Statewide hunting, hunting for big game, hunting on game lands
and hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp).
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
*The following reciprocal license fees apply to Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia residents:
LICENSE INFORMATION 6 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Resident Nonresident
$5 $10
$10 $10
$15 $30
$10 $10
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$20 N/A
$10 $50
$100 $200
$250 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
SHORT-TERM LICENSE Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license. Privileges are valid
12 months from the date of purchase.
•State Inland Fishing 10-Day (basic): Statewide inland fishing during the 10-day period specified on
the license. Includes fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual licenses and privileges are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Refer to
page 13 for a list of annual Inland/Coastal Fishing licenses.
•State Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide inland fishing during a license term. Includes fishing in joint
waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
•County Inland Fishing (basic): Inland fishing within the county of residence during a license term.
Includes fishing in joint waters within the county of residence. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
•Comprehensive Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents during a license term. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
•Special Inland Fishing Devices (basic/noncommercial): Authorizes the taking of nongame fish
from inland waters (does not include joint and coastal waters) during designated seasons with nets, traps,
gigs, reels, spear guns, baskets, bow and arrow, and any other authorized special fishing device. Includes
the sale of these nongame fish. Taking of nongame fishes with bow and arrow is authorized under any of the
licenses providing basic hunting or inland fishing privileges. This license is valid when no more than three
special fishing devices are used.
•Special Inland Fishing Devices (basic/commercial): Authorizes the taking of nongame fish from
inland waters (does not include joint and coastal waters) during designated seasons with nets, traps, gigs,
reels, spear guns, baskets, bow and arrow, and any other authorized special fishing device. Includes the
sale of these nongame fish. Taking of nongame fishes with bow and arrow is authorized under any of the
licenses providing basic hunting or inland fishing privileges. This license is valid when four or more special
fishing devices are used.
LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder. Refer to pages 13 –14 for
a list of lifetime Unified Inland/ Coastal Fishing licenses.
•State Comprehensive Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing. Includes fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in
coastal waters.
•Age 65 (or older) Comprehensive Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents.
Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing
in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
•Disabled Veteran Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents who are 50 percent or
more disabled veterans as determined by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Includes fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing
in coastal waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
•Totally Disabled Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents who are totally and permanently
disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
INLAND FISHING LICENSES
Following is a list of short-term, annual and lifetime inland fishing licenses and the privilege license(s) associated with each. The privilege license authorizes a
particular inland fishing activity not included with the basic license type. Privileges may be purchased separately if pur chaser holds a valid basic license. If a
privilege license is not listed, the license type includes the special inland fishing activity. These licenses include fishing in joint waters. They do not include fishing in
coastal waters. See page 7 for a complete list of privileges and certifications. NOTE: Individuals 16 years of age or older using any type of bait or gear to
catch finfish while fishing in North Caro lina’s public waters must possess a valid North Carolina fishing license. This license requirement does not apply to private
ponds. Individual residents who receive Food Stamps, Medicaid or Work First Family Assistance may obtain a written waiver (Annual Subsistence License Waiver)
from this fishing license requirement through their county Department of Social Services.
Resident Nonresident
$25 $100
$15 $15
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 7
LICENSE INFORMATION
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual and privilege licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
•State Trapping (basic): Statewide trapping during a license term.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
•County Trapping (basic): Trapping within the county of residence during a license term.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
TRAPPING LICENSES
PRIVILEGE LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
For your convenience, we have separately listed the privilege licenses and certifi ca tions below. Annual privilege licenses and certifica tions
authorize particular hunting or inland fishing activities and must be obtained in addition to the appropriate basic license. Privileges may be
purchased separately if the purchaser holds a valid license. Privilege licenses and certifications are valid for 12 months from the date of
purchase. HIP Certification is required for all those planning to hunt migratory game birds, including lifetime license-holders.
Resident Nonresident
$10 $60*
N/A $40*
N/A $125
$10 $10
$15 $15
$10 $10
FREE FREE
$10 $10
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey. Nonresidents hunting bear or wild
boar must also purchase the Bear/Wild Boar Hunting Privilege License.
Big Game Hunting –Six-Day: Hunting of deer, bear, wild boar and wild turkey during the six-day period
specified on the license. This license privilege is needed in addition to the basic state hunting license. Does
not include the nonresident bear/wild boar hunting privilege.
Bear/Wild Boar Hunting: Needed by nonresident license holders, in addition to the big game privilege, to
hunt bear or wild boar.
NOTE: For those nonresidents with a lifetime sportsman license:
• purchased prior to May 24, 1994, you do not have to purchase this additional privilege license to hunt bear
or wild boar.
• purchased between May 24, 1994 and May 18, 2001, you will have to purchase the Nonresident Bear/Wild
Boar Hunting Privilege License if you are hunting bear. If hunting wild boar only, you do not need to
purchase this privilege license.
• purchased after May 18, 2001, you will have to purchase the Nonresident Bear/Wild Boar Hunting Privilege
License if you are hunting bear or wild boar.
Bonus Antlerless Deer: Allows the harvest of two additional antlerless deer per report card in counties or
parts of counties with a maximum either-sex season or any municipality enrolled in the Urban Archery
Season. Not valid for use on game lands. Refer to the Big Game section for more information.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands. See the Game Lands section for other uses that
require a game lands license.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing on game lands.
*Reciprocal license fees apply to Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia residents.
Refer to page 5 for a list of fees.
8 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. LICENSE INFORMATION
Bobcat/Otter Tags: Needed to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of bobcat or otter car casses or pelts.
All bobcat and otter car casses or pelts shall be properly tagged within 10 days following the close of the
appli cable hunting or trapping season.
Controlled Hunting Preserve: Needed to hunt fox or pen-raised game birds on a licensed commercial
hunting preserve. This license may be used without a basic hunting license. This license is not required
if you possess a basic hunting, comprehensive hunting or sportsman’s license.
Disabled Access Permit: Authorizes persons with limited physical mobility to operate vehi cles, including
ATVs, on any Commission-maintained road open for vehicular travel, those trails posted for vehicular
travel and only on OPEN-GATED or UNGATED roads, otherwise closed to vehicular traffic on game lands
listed in the Disabled Access Program and to have access to special disabled hunting blinds. It does not
authorize operation of vehicles on closed roads on game lands not listed in the Disabled Access Program.
One able-bodied companion may accompany the disabled person, provided that person possesses the
“companion card” issued to the disabled hunter. The disabled hunter will also be issued a “vehi cle
access card.” The permit is valid as long as the qualifying disability persists. For more infor mation,
refer to the “Disabled Sportsman” and “Disabled Access Program” sections on pages 11 and 64.
Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification: This is a medical certification used to establish eligibility for
participation in disabled hunt opportunities. This certification is only necessary when the applicant
does not possess a lifetime disabled veteran or totally disabled license. This certification is not a license;
therefore, a valid hunting license, in addition to the hunt permit, is required when participating in a
disabled hunt opportunity. For more information, refer to the “Disabled Sportsman” section on page 11.
Falconry: Needed to hunt by the use of any raptor. A basic or comprehensive hunting or sportsman’s license
is needed in addition to the falconry license. License expires June 30 of each year. Call (919) 707-0050
for an application.
Fox Tags: Needed to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of a fox carcass or pelt. All fox carcasses or pelts
shall be properly tagged within 10 days following the close of the applicable hunting or trapping season.
Fur Dealer: Authorizes buying and selling furs anywhere in North Carolina. License expires June 30
each year.
Fur Dealer Station: Authorizes the license-holder and his or her employee(s) to buy or sell furs at an
established location in North Carolina and under the supervision of the license-holder. License
expires June 30 each year.
Hunting/Inland Fishing Guide: Needed to guide others for a fee. In cases where persons for hire are being
transported by vessel; a vessel-for-hire license may be required by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Special Landholder and Guest Fishing License: May be purchased by the landholder of private property
bordering inland or joint fishing waters, including Public Mountain Trout Waters. This license shall entitle
the landholder, and guests of the landholder, to fish from the shore or any pier or dock originating from the
property without any additional inland fishing license. May not be used for commercial purposes. A guest
is defined as any individual invited by the landholder to fish from the property at no charge. A charge
includes any fee, assessment, dues, rent, or other consideration which must be paid, whether directly or
indirectly, in order to be allowed to fish from the property, regardless of the stated reason for such charge.
License valid 12 months from date of issue.
Taxidermy: Authorizes persons to practice taxidermy involving wildlife for any compensa tion. License
expires Dec. 31 each year.
OTHER LICENSES AND PERMITS
The Wildlife Resources Commission offers a wide range of special licenses and permits to serve the public. For information on the licenses or
permits listed below or to obtain an application, you may visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org, call us at (888) 248-6834 or write to
NCWRC, 1707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707.
$2.20 ea. $2.20 ea.
$15 $15
FREE FREE
FREE FREE
$10 $10
$2.25 ea. $2.25 ea.
$60 $300
$120 N/A
$10 $100
$50 $50
$10 N/A
Resident Nonresident
Price Hunting & Inland Fishing
$20 Annual Combo Hunt & Inland Fish (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$40 Annual Sportsman X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$200 Lifetime Sportsman (under age 1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$350 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 1-11) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$500 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 12 & older) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$15 Age 65 (or older) Sportsman X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$10 Disabled Veteran (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$10 Totally Disabled (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$100 Disabled Sportsman X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Hunting
$15 Annual State Hunting (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$10 Annual County Hunting (basic)(1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$30 Annual Comprehensive Hunting X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$250 Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
$10 Big Game (2) X X X X
$15 Game Lands (2) (8) X X
$10 N.C. Waterfowl (2) (3) X
Free HIP Certification (6) (7) X X
Inland Fishing
$5 10-Day Inland Fishing (basic) X X
$15 Annual State Inland Fishing (basic) X X
$10 Annual County Inland Fishing (basic) (1) X X
$20 Annual Comprehensive Inland Fishing X X X
$250 Lifetime Comprehensive Inland Fishing X X X
Additional Inland Fishing Privilege
$10 Trout Fishing (4) X
Trapping
$25 Annual State Trapping (basic) (8) X
$10 Annual County Trapping (basic) (1)(8) X
Other Licenses
$10 Annual Hunt/Inland Fish Guide X
$15 Controlled Hunting Preserve (5) X
$10 Noncommercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
$100 Commercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 9
LICENSE INFORMATION
(1) Valid for use only in the license holders’ county of residence.
(2) Must also possess the appropriate basic hunting license.
(3) Must also possess a federal duck stamp.
(4) Must also possess a valid inland fishing license.
(5) This license may be used without a hunting license.
(6) Required to hunt federal migratory & waterfowl birds.
(7) Must also possess either a basic hunting, comprehensive
hunting or sportsman’s license.
(8) Trapping on game lands requires a Game Lands License
and a Trapping License.
(9) Must have the HIP Certification.
= Lifetime Licenses
Additional Information
RESIDENT HUNTING, INLAND FISHING AND TRAPPING LICENSE TYPES
and Associated Privilege Licenses
Refer to License Type Section for a complete description of license types and privileges. Refer to page 15
for a list of Resident Coastal Fishing and Unified Sportsman/Coastal Fishing license types.
Deer
Bear
Boar
Turkey
Squirrel
Rabbit
Migratory Game Birds (9)
Quail
Grouse
Pheasant
Raccoon
Opossum
Bobcat
Crow
Beaver
Groundhog
Coyote
Controlled Shooting
Preserves
Waterfowl (3) (9)
Game Lands (hunting)
Trapping
Game Lands (trapping) (8)
Basic Inland Fishing
Public Mtn. Trout Waters
Special Device Fishing
Nongame Fish
Bow & Arrow
Hunt\Inland Fish Guide
L I C E N S E S P R I V I L E G E S
HUNTING
Big Game Basic Hunting OTHER
“X” indicates the privileges authorized for
each license type.
10 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. LICENSE INFORMATION
NONRESIDENT HUNTING, INLAND FISHING AND TRAPPING LICENSE TYPES
and Associated Privilege Licenses
Refer to License Type Section for a complete description of license types and privileges. Refer to page 15
for a list of Nonresident Coastal Fishing and Unified Sportsman/Coastal Fishing license types.
Price Hunting & Inland Fishing
$200 Lifetime Sportsman (under age 1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$350 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 1-11) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$1,000 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 12 & older) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Hunting
$40 Six-Day State Hunting (basic) (10) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$60 Annual State Hunting (basic) (10) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
$40 Six-Day Big Game (2) (10) X X
$60 Big Game (season) (2) (10) X X
$125 Bear/Wild Boar (1) X X
$15 Game Lands (2) (8) X X
$10 N.C. Waterfowl (2) (3) X
Free HIP Certification (6) (7) X X
Inland Fishing
$10 10-Day Inland Fishing (basic) X X
$30 Annual State Inland Fishing (basic) X X
Additional Inland Fishing Privilege
$10 Trout Fishing (4) X
Trapping
$100 Annual State Trapping (basic) (8) X
Other Licenses
$100 Annual Hunt/Inland Fish Guide X
$15 Controlled Hunting Preserve (5) X
$50 Noncommercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
$200 Commercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
(1) Must also possess either a basic hunting or sportsman’s
license and a big game license.
(2) Must also possess the appropriate basic hunting license.
(3) Must also possess a federal duck stamp.
(4) Must also possess a valid inland fishing license.
(5) This license may be used without a hunting license.
(6) Required to hunt federal migratory & waterfowl birds.
(7) Must also possess either a basic hunting or sportsman’s license.
(8) Trapping on game lands requires a Game Lands License and a
Trapping License.
(9) Must have the HIP Certification.
(10) Reciprocal license fees apply to Georgia, South Carolina,
Ten nessee and Virginia residents. Refer to page 5 for a list of fees.
= Lifetime Licenses
Additional Information
Deer
Bear
Boar
Turkey
Squirrel
Rabbit
Migratory Game Birds (9)
Quail
Grouse
Pheasant
Raccoon
Opossum
Bobcat
Crow
Beaver
Groundhog
Coyote
Controlled Shooting
Preserves
Waterfowl (3) (9)
Game Lands (hunting)
Trapping
Game Lands (trapping) (8)
Basic Inland Fishing
Public Mtn. Trout Waters
Special Device Fishing
Nongame Fish
Bow & Arrow
Hunt\Inland Fish Guide
L I C E N S E S P R I V I L E G E S
HUNTING
Big Game Basic Hunting OTHER
“X” indicates the privileges authorized for
each license type.
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 11
General Information The N. C. Wildlife Resources Com mi -
s sion does not honor disabled licenses or permits from other
states. Disabled licenses and permits must be obtained directly
from the Wildlife Resources Commission. To obtain a disabled
license or permit application, visit us online at
www.ncwildlife.org, call us at (888) 248-6834, or write to
NCWRC, 1707 Mail Ser vice Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707.
Disabled Sportsman Program Information The Wildlife
Resources Com mission has established increased access and
opportunities for persons with disabilities to hunt on agency
game lands and other lands. A brief description and the quali -
fica tions for each are provided below. To obtain an application,
you may visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org, call us at (888)
248-6834, or write to NCWRC, Disabled Sportsman Program,
1707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707. For specific
informa tion on disabled hunt opportunities, refer to the Permit
Hunting Opportunities publication.
The Disabled Access Permit authorizes persons with limited
physical mobility to operate vehi cles, including ATVs, on any
Commission-maintained road open for vehicular travel, those
trails posted for vehicular travel and only on OPEN-GATED or
UNGATED roads, otherwise closed to vehicular traffic on game
lands listed in the Disabled Access Program, and allows access to
special disabled hunting blinds designated for hunters with dis -
abilities. See page 64 for a list of game lands or designated areas
within a game land in which this permit is valid. This permit does
not allow operation of vehicles on closed roads on game lands
unless the game land is listed in the Disabled Access Program. The
disabled hunter will be issued a companion and vehicle access
card. One able-bodied companion may accompany the disabled
hunter, provided that person possesses the companion card.
Several types of lifetime licenses are available as noted under the
“License Information” section of this Digest, which begins on
page 2. Lifetime sportsman and lifetime comprehensive hunting
licenses include the state waterfowl privilege. Lifetime compre -
hen sive hunting licenses and lifetime comprehensive inland
fishing licenses are sold only to residents of North Carolina.
Nonresidents may purchase the nonresident lifetime sportsman
license. Lifetime licenses may also be personalized for an addi -
tional $5 fee (some exclusions apply). There are no residency
restrictions for the infant and youth lifetime licenses. You may
also give a lifetime license as a gift. All of these licenses are good
for the life of the license-holder. Even if you move out of North
Carolina, you can use the license anytime you return to the state.
Lifetime licenses can be purchased at your local wildlife service
agent, online at www.ncwildlife.org, by telephone (888) 248-
6834 or by mail from the Wildlife Resources Commission.
Please note that infant and youth lifetime licenses require a copy
of the birth certificate; these two licenses cannot be purchased
online or by telephone. Disabled licenses must be purchased
by mail or in person at WRC Headquarters. To obtain a lifetime
license application visit our website at www.ncwildlife.org or
call (888) 248-6834.
Tax Deductible Contributions to the Wildlife Endow -
ment Fund Donations to the Wildlife Endowment Fund are
deductible from your taxable income. Donations can be made
directly to the fund or as a bequest from a will or as a memorial
gift to honor a deceased friend or family member. The fund can
also be named as a beneficiary to a life insurance policy. When
making a memorial donation, include the name and address of
the donor or donors as well as the name of the person or persons
who is/are being remembered by the donation. A card will be
sent to the donor acknowledging the contribution.
For additional information, visit us online at www.ncwildlife.org,
call (866) 945-3746, or write to NCWRC, Wildlife Endowment
Fund, 1710 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1710.
Lifetime Hunting and Inland Fishing Licenses Lifetime hunting and inland fishing licenses are a great deal for sportsmen.
Purchasing a life time license saves you money over the years, may be charged to a VISA or MasterCard, and supports North
Carolina’s rich wildlife heritage. Funds from lifetime license sales are deposited directly into the Wildlife Endowment Fund, which
supports wildlife conservation programs.
DISABLED SPORTSMAN INFORMATION THE WILDLIFE ENDOWMENT FUND
This permit is valid as long as the qualifying disability per sists.
There is no fee associated with this permit. Qualifications:
Com petent medical evidence must be submitted indicating
that a disability exists that limits physical mobility, to the extent
that nor mal utilization of the game lands is not possible without
vehicular assistance.
The Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification is a medical certifi -
ca tion used to establish eligibility for participation in disabled
hunt opportunities. This certification is only necessary when the
applicant does not possess a lifetime disabled veteran or totally
disabled license. This certification is not a license; there fore, a
valid hunting license, in addition to the hunt permit, is required
when participating in a disabled hunt opportunity. There is no
fee for this certification. For a list of disabled hunt opportunities,
refer to the Permit Hunting Opportunities publication. Qualifica -
tions: Medical certification in one of the following disabilities:
● missing fifty percent (50 percent) or more of one or more limbs,
whether by amputation or natural causes;
● paralysis of one or more limbs;
● dysfunction of one or more limbs rendering the individual
unable to perform the task of grasping and lifting with the
hands and arms or unable to walk without mechanical
assistance, other than a cane;
● disease, injury or impairment confining the individual to a
wheel chair, walker or crutches;
● legal deafness.
This certification shall remain valid as long as the qualifying
disability persists.
Within the national forests in North Carolina, off highway vehicles
(OHVs) are permitted only on designated routes. Further infor -
mation about areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service, includ ing
the Nantahala, Pisgah, Croatan and Uwharrie National Forests,
may be obtained online http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/.
General Information The Coastal Recreational Fish ing
License (CRFL) is required to recreationally take finfish in the
state’s coastal fishing waters, which include sounds, coastal
rivers and tributaries and out to three miles in the ocean.
Recreational anglers, who catch fish in the ocean greater
than three miles offshore, are required to have a coastal
recreational fishing license in order to bring fish back to
shore in North Carolina. Finfish harvested is for personal
consumption only and cannot be sold.
Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL)
1. Who must purchase a CRFL? Individuals 16 years or older
who want to recreationally finfish in any water designated as
coastal or joint waters of North Carolina must purchase a
CRFL. The exceptions are:
a. An individual who holds a resident/nonresident lifetime
infant, youth, adult, over 70, disabled sportsman, lifetime
compre hen sive fishing license, hunting/fishing basic
disabled veteran or hunting/fishing basic totally disabled
license issued by the Wild life Resources Commission
(WRC) before Jan. 1, 2006.
b. An individual who holds a lifetime legally blind or adult
care home license, regardless of when it was issued.
2. Where can I fish with a CRFL? To fish recreation ally in coastal
waters managed by the Division of Marine Fish eries (DMF),
you will need a CRFL.
● To fish in public, inland fishing waters, you need an inland
fishing license, available from the WRC.
● To fish in the joint waters managed by both DMF and WRC,
you will need a CRFL or an inland fishing license.
● The boundaries between coastal, inland and joint fishing waters
are marked with signs posted adjacent to the affected waters.
3. What types of individual CRFLs are available and what do
they cost? Several individual CRFLs are available to accommo -
date a variety of needs and situations. These include:
● short-term licenses
● annual licenses
● lifetime licenses, valid for the lifetime of the holder
● unified licenses, include hunting/statewide fishing privileges.
A list of these licenses can be found on page 13.
4. Where can I purchase my CRFL?
a. Go to the WRC website, www.ncwildlife.org.
b. Visit a WRC wildlife service agent. Most are located in bait-and-
tackle shops, hunting and sporting goods stores and
larger chain stores across the state.
c. Call toll-free, (888) 248-6834. Hours of operation:
8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday.
d. Visit one of six DMF offices located on the coast. For loca -
tions, go to the DMF website, www.ncfisheries.net.
5. I live in a coastal county, but I have a private pond on my
property that I have stocked. Do I need a CRFL to fish in
my pond? No, private ponds are exempt from any licensing
requirements.
6. Do I need a CRFL to fish in my county of residence?
Yes, the new legislation repeals the natural-bait exemption
for fishing in public and inland waters.
● Any person 16 and older fishing in North Carolina public
waters (excluding private ponds) must have a fishing license.
● People who receive Food Stamps, Medicaid or Work First
Family Assistance may receive a subsistence waiver through
their county Department of Social Services.
● This annual waiver allows the holder to fish recreationally
with hook-and-line in inland waters (with the exception
of Public Mountain Trout Waters), joint and coastal waters.
7. What types of blanket CRFLs are available? Who is eligible
to purchase one? Two types of blanket CRFLs are available
only through DMF offices:
a. For-Hire Blanket — a person who operates a “for-hire boat”
(i.e., charter boat) may purchase a CRFL for each vessel that
will allow all individuals on the for-hire boat who do not
hold a CRFL to fish in coastal fishing waters that are not joint
fishing waters. This license does not authorize individuals to
fish recreationally in inland or joint fishing waters.
b. Ocean Fishing Pier Blanket — a person who operates or
owns an ocean fishing pier and who charges a fee to allow a
person to fish recreationally from the pier may purchase an
Ocean Fishing Pier Blanket CRFL. This license allows all
individuals who do not hold an individual CRFL to engage
in recreational fishing in coastal waters while on the pier.
8. Is there a CRFL boat license I can buy so my guests do
not have to purchase a CRFL? Yes, owners of vessels 23' or
longer can purchase a Block of Ten 10-day CRFLs through
DMF offices for $150. Purchasing a block allows vessel owners
to issue 10-day licenses to anglers aboard their vessels. Vessels
must be registered in North Carolina or documented with the
United States Coast Guard. Purchasers of this license are
required to provide DMF the name, address and telephone
number of all anglers issued a 10-day license.
9. Do I need a CRFL to harvest crabs, mussels, clams,
lobsters, shrimp and other shellfish? No, the license is only
required for the recreational harvest of finfish.
10. Are anglers who use gigs and castnets to harvest finfish
recreationally required to have this license? Yes.
11. Do I need a CRFL license to fish from a privately owned
pier? Yes.
12. Can I sell my catch if I have a CRFL? No. Seafood harvested
under the license is for personal consumption and cannot be sold.
13. Are there any rules or regulations for recreational finfish -
ing? Yes, individuals possessing this license must comply with
the state’s recreational size and possession limits, which can
change frequently. To view the most up-to-date version of these
limits, visit www.ncdmf.net/recreational/recguide.htm or call
the DMF at (800) 682-2632 or (252) 726-7021 to receive a
copy. A CRFL is required for ANY type of recreational finfish
harvest not included under the Recreational Commercial Gear
License. This includes fishing with hook-and-line, spears, gigs,
bait-and-line, seines less than 30 feet, dip nets, landing nets and
cast nets. The Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL)
can be purchased from all DMF offices and WRC license agents
throughout the state. The cost is $35 for residents and $250 for
nonresidents. License agents charge an additional $1 fee. For more
information on RCGL, visit www.ncdmf.net/license/RCGL.htm.
14. Are there any additional requirements of those who hold
a CRFL? Individuals possessing this license are required to
comply with all DMF sampling and survey programs.
15. Does a landowner need a CRFL if fishing from his/her pier
or property? Yes.
For more information, contact: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commis -
sion, www.ncwildlife.org, (919) 707-0391 or Division of
Marine Fisheries, www.ncfisheries.net, local (252) 726-7021,
toll-free (800) 682-2632.
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE 12 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Resident Nonresident
$5 $10
$15 $30
$250 $500
$150 $150
$100 $100
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTIONS
Following is a list of short-term, annual and lifetime coastal recreational fishing licenses valid in coastal and joint waters.
ANNUAL UNIFIED LICENSE Annual licenses and privileges are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
•Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and coastal recreational fishing
for residents during a license term. Includes the privileges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for
waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on
game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License: Statewide inland and coastal recreational fishing for
residents during a license term. Includes the privileges of fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout
waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
•Unified Subsistence Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License Waiver: Statewide basic inland
and coastal recreational fishing for residents who receive Medicaid, Food Stamps, or Work First Family Assistance
through the County Department of Social Services. Includes fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in
Public Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on game lands. License Waiver can be obtained through
the County Department of Social Services upon request.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing on game lands.
UNIFIED LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder. The privilege license and HIP
Certification are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
Hunting and Fishing:
•Unified Adult Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 12 & older): Statewide hunting, inland
and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does
not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands,
and fishing in joint waters.
Additional Privilege License and Certification Available:
Bear/Wild Boar Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the lifetime sportsman license, to hunt bear
or wild boar.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Youth Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 1–11): Statewide hunting, inland
and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl
(does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game
lands, and fishing in joint waters.
•Unified Infant Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing (under age 1): Statewide hunting, inland
and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl
(does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game
lands, and fishing in joint waters.
SHORT-TERM LICENSE Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license.
•Coastal Recreational Fishing 10-Day: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters during the 10-day period
specified on the license. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
•Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters during a license term.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder.
•Adult Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 12 & older): Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Youth Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 1–11): Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Infant Coastal Recreational Fishing (under age 1): Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Age 65 (or older) Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Disabled Veteran Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters for residents
who are 50 percent or more disabled veterans as determined by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. It does not authorize
fishing in inland waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
•Totally Disabled Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters for residents
who are totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Railroad
Retirement Board. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
UNIFIED HUNTING, INLAND AND COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTIONS
Following is a list of annual and lifetime unified hunting, inland and coastal recreational fishing licenses valid in coastal and joint waters.
Resident Nonresident
$55 N/A
FREE N/A
$35 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$675 $1350
N/A $125
FREE FREE
$450 $450
$275 $275
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 13
BOATING SAFETY
EDUCATION
IT’S THE LAW
NCGS 75A-16.2
•Unified Age 65 (or older) Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland
and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl
(does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game
lands, and fishing in joint waters.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Disabled Veteran Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and
coastal recreational fishing for residents who are 50 percent or more disabled veterans as determined by the Dept.
of Veterans Affairs. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include
federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in
joint waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Totally Disabled Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and
coastal recreational fishing for residents who are totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social
Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands,
hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in
trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
FISHING:
•Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide inland and coastal recreational fishing. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
•Unified Legally Blind Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide fishing in all public waters for
residents who have been certified by the Dept. of Health and Human Services as being legally blind. Includes fishing
in Public Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on game lands. Refer to page 11 for application instructions.
•Unified Adult Care Home Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide fishing in all public waters
for residents of an adult care home. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on
game lands. License valid during time of residency at adult care facility. Call (888) 248-6834 to obtain an application.
Resident Nonresident
$30 N/A
FREE N/A
$110 N/A
FREE N/A
$110 N/A
FREE N/A
$450 N/A
FREE N/A
FREE N/A
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE 14 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Anyone younger than 26 operating a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or greater motor on public waterways must
have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course or otherwise be in compliance, as of
May 1, 2010. All vessel operators must be able to prove compliance upon request of a law enforcement officer.
For course information, visit www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0031.
(1) Required to hunt federal migratory & waterfowl birds.
(2) Must also possess either a basic hunting, comprehensive hunting or
sportsman’s license.
(3) Must also possess a valid inland fishing license.
(4) Must also possess either a basic hunting or sportsman’s license and a
big game license.
(5) Must also have the HIP Certification.
(6) Must also possess a federal duck stamp.
(7) Trapping on game lands requires a Game Lands License and a Trapping License.
= Lifetime Licenses
Additional Information
UNIFIED HUNTING, INLAND AND COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE (CRFL) TYPES
and Associated Privilege Licenses
RESIDENT LICENSE TYPES
Price Hunting, Inland & CRFL
$55 Annual Unified Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$675 Lifetime Adult Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$450 Lifetime Youth Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$275 Lifetime Infant Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$30 Unified Age 65 & Older Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$110 Unified Disabled Vet Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$110 Unified Totally Disabled Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
Free HIP Certification (1) (2) X X
Fishing
$5 10-Day – CRFL X
$15 Annual CRFL X
$35 Annual Unified Inland/CRFL X X X X
Free Annual Subsistence Inland/CRFL Waiver X X X
$250 Lifetime Adult CRFL X
$150 Lifetime Youth CRFL X
$100 Lifetime Infant CRFL X
$15 Age 65 & Older CRFL X
$10 Disabled Vet CRFL X
$10 Totally Disabled CRFL X
$450 Lifetime Unified Inland/CRFL X X X X
Additional Inland Fishing Privilege
$10 Trout Fishing (3) X
NONRESIDENT LICENSE TYPES
Price Hunting, Inland & CRFL
$1,350 Lifetime Adult Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$450 Lifetime Youth Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$275 Lifetime Infant Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
Free HIP Certification (1) (2) X X
$125 Bear/Wild Boar (4) X X
Fishing
$10 10-Day – CRFL X
$30 Annual CRFL X
$500 Lifetime Adult CRFL X
$150 Lifetime Youth CRFL X
$100 Lifetime Infant CRFL X
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 15
Deer
Bear
Boar
Turkey
Squirrel
Rabbit
Migratory Game Birds (5)
Quail
Grouse
Pheasant
Raccoon
Opossum
Bobcat
Crow
Beaver
Groundhog
Coyote
Controlled Shooting
Preserves
Waterfowl (5) (6)
Game Lands (hunting)
Trapping
Game Lands (trapping) (7)
Basic Inland Fishing
Public Mtn. Trout Waters
Special Device Fishing
Nongame Fish
Bow & Arrow
Coastal Recreational Fishing
L I C E N S E S P R I V I L E G E S
HUNTING
Big Game Basic Hunting OTHER
“X” indicates the privileges authorized for
each license type.
16 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
General Information Inland, Joint and Coastal Fishing
Waters. Both the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Div -
ision of Marine Fisheries have licensing, management and
regula tory authority in certain waters along the coast of
North Caro lina. These waters are designated as inland, joint
and coastal waters. The Wildlife Resources Commission has
juris dic tion in inland waters, and the Division of Marine
Fisheries has jurisdic tion (except that pertaining to inland
game fishes) in coastal waters. Both agencies have licensing
and regulatory authority in joint waters.
The boundaries between inland, joint and coastal fishing waters
are prominently marked with metal signs posted adjacent to
the affected waters. Lists of these waters, with their boundaries
indicated, are available from the Wildlife Resources Com mis -
sion, 1721 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
(www.ncwildlife.org; see Fishing–Publications–Coastal, Joint
and Inland Fishing Waters Designations in N.C.), or from the
Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC
28557 (www.ncdmf.net; see Quick Links–Maps to Download).
SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR JOINT FISHING WATERS
● It is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids
less than 18 inches in length.
● It is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids
between 22 and 27 inches in length in the joint waters of the
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area.
● It is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids from
May 1 through Sept. 30 in the joint waters of the Central-South -
ern and Albemarle Sound Striped Bass Management Areas.
● It is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids in
the joint waters of the Cape Fear River.
● It is unlawful to possess more than one daily creel limit of
striped bass or striped bass hybrids, in combination, per person
per day, regardless of the number of management areas fished.
● It is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids that
are not in agreement with size and creel limits of the waters
being fished, regardless of other management areas that may
have been fished that day.
● It is unlawful to net fish for striped bass or their hybrids in
joint waters except as authorized by rules of the Marine
Fisheries Commission.
● It is unlawful to use seines, gill nets or trawl nets in the Lake
Mattamuskeet canals.
● It is unlawful to use any net, net stakes, or electrical fishing
device within 800 feet downstream of the dam at Lock No. 1
on the Cape Fear River.
● It is unlawful to possess more than 10 American or hickory shad
in aggregate, per person per day, taken by hook-and-line.
Otherwise, in joint fishing waters, commercial fishing and licensing—
including commercial trotlines—are subject to the coastal
fishing laws and regulations; inland game fish and hook-and-line
licensing—exclusive of commercial trotlines—are subject
to the inland fishing laws and regulations.
How to Measure Inland Game Fish The harvest of
several game fishes is regulated by length limits. Fish length is
deter mined by measuring along a straight line (in other words,
not along the curvature of the body) the distance from the tip of
the closed mouth to the tip of the compressed caudal (tail) fin.
INLAND GAME FISH
The following fishes are designated as inland game fish:
● Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted)
● Crappie (white and black)
● Sunfish
● Bluegill
● Redbreast sunfish (robin)
● Redear sunfish (shellcracker)
● Pumpkinseed
● Warmouth
● Green sunfish
● Roanoke bass
● Rock bass
● Flier
● All other species of the family Centrarchidae
● Mountain trout (including but not limited to brook, brown
and rainbow trout)
● Kokanee salmon
● Walleye
● Sauger
● Pickerel, chain (jack) and redfin
● Muskellunge
● White bass
● Bodie bass (striped bass x white bass)
● Striped bass, in inland waters
● Shad (American and hickory) in inland waters
● White perch, in inland waters
● Yellow perch, in inland waters
● Spotted sea trout, in inland waters
● Flounder, in inland waters
● Red drum (channel bass, red fish and puppy drum), in inland waters
GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR INLAND GAME FISH
Purchase and Sale
● The purchase and sale of inland game fish are unlawful, except
from and by licensed commercial trout ponds and fish propagators.
Manner of Taking
● Inland game fish may be taken only with a hook and line.
● Landing nets may be used to land fishes caught on a hook and line.
● It is unlawful to snag fish by pulling or jerking a device equipped
with one or more hooks through the water for the purpose of
impaling fish.
● American and hickory shad may be taken with bow nets from
March 1 through April 30 in those counties and waters with
open seasons for the use of bow nets (see “Seasons and Waters”
pages 29 –34) and are subject to daily creel limits (see page 20).
● In the inland waters of the Roanoke River upstream of the U.S.
258 bridge, only a single barbless hook or a lure with a single
barbless hook may be used from April 1 to June 30. “Barbless”
means that the hook either does not have a barb or that the
barb is bent down.
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 17
Possession and Use of Game Fish
1. It is unlawful to take, in any one day, more than the daily creel
limit of any inland game fish having a specified creel limit.
2. It is unlawful to possess more than the daily creel limit while
fishing, boating or afield; or to possess at any place more than
three days’ creel limit.
3. It is unlawful to possess fish whose size, creel or season
restrictions are not in compliance with the regulations on
the waters being fished.
4. It is unlawful, while fishing, to change the appearance of fish
subject to size limits or daily creel limits or remove the head
and/or tail from fish that are regulated by a size limit so that
they may not be measured and/or identified.
5. It is unlawful to destroy unnecessarily any inland game fish
taken from public fishing waters.
6. Inland game fish may be used as bait if they are legally taken
and are in agreement with the size and creel limits of the waters
being fished and other regulations.
Seasons There are no closed seasons on inland game fishes
with the following exceptions:
1. In Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, where the season for all
fishes is closed and fishing is prohibited from March 1–April 1,
2011. This closed season for fishing does not apply to power
supply lakes or municipal water supply lakes.
2. In undesignated waters where it is unlawful to possess trout
caught during the closed season (March 1–April 1, 2011).
3. On the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, where
federal regulations apply.
4. On the MacKay Island National Wildlife Refuge, where federal
regulations apply and specified waters are closed to access
between Oct. 15 and March 15.
5. On the Roanoke River, where the striped bass season is closed
from May 1–end of February from the Roanoke Rapids Dam
downstream to the mouth of the river at the Albemarle Sound,
unless changed by proclamation of the Executive Director,
Wildlife Resources Commission.
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
Longest spine over twice as
long as shortest spine Deep notch between fins
No scales at
base of fin
No scales at
base of fin
Upper jaw extends
beyond eye
Horizontal band
One patch of
teeth on tongue
Longest spine less than twice
the length of shortest spine
Shallow notch between fins
Scales at
base of fin
Upper jaw
extends to
back of eye
Horizontal band
Horizontal streaks
Scales at
base of fin
Largemouth Bass
Found statewide
BASS IDENTIFICATION CHART M0RONE IDENTIFICATION CHART
Stripes distinct and
usually broken
Two patches of
teeth on tongue
Spotted Bass
Found in the mountains, foothills and Little River in Harnett County
Longest spine less
than twice the length
of shortest spine Shallow notch between fins
Scales at
base of fin
Scales at
base of fin
Upper jaw doesn’t
extend beyond
back of eye
Vertical bars
Smallmouth Bass
Found in the mountains and foothills
One patch of
teeth on tongue
Stripes often faint
White Bass
Bodie Bass
(striped bass hybrid)
Two patches of
teeth on tongue
Striped Bass
Stripes distinct and
usually continuous
18 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
REGULATIONS FOR WARMWATER GAME FISH
LOCATION
Black bass (including largemouth, smallmouth and spotted)
- Roanoke River downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam
- Tar River downstream of Tar River Reservoir Dam
- Neuse River downstream of Falls Lake Dam
- Lake Raleigh (Wake Co.)
- Haw River downstream of Jordan Lake Dam
- Deep River downstream of Lockville Dam
- Cape Fear River
- Waccamaw River downstream of Lake Waccamaw Dam
- Lumber River, including Drowning Creek
- All other public waters east of Interstate 95, except Tar River Reservoir
(Nash Co.)
- South Yadkin River downstream of Cooleemee Dam
- Yadkin-Pee Dee River from Idols Dam to the South Carolina state line,
including High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Badin Lake, Falls Lake
(Stanly and Montgomery counties), Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake.
- Randleman Reservoir (Randolph and Guilford counties)
- Lake Luke Marion (Moore Co.)
- Reedy Creek Park lakes (Mecklenburg Co.)
- Lake Rim (Cumberland Co.)
- Lake Norman
- Sutton Lake (New Hanover Co.)
- Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson and Nash counties)
- Cane Creek Lake (Union Co.)
- Lake Thom-A-Lex (Davidson Co.)
- Shearon Harris Reservoir
- Lake Phelps
- New River (Alleghany Co. portion downstream of Fields Dam in
Grayson Co., Va.)
- Public Mountain Trout Waters and waters in and west of Madison,
Buncombe, Henderson and Polk counties
- City- or county-owned lakes under Wildlife Resources
Commission management
- B. Everett Jordan Reservoir
- Falls of Neuse Reservoir
- All other public fishing waters
State waters are classified as: inland, joint and coastal (see “Gen-eral
Information" on page 16). These state waters are collectively
referred to as public fishing waters. Certain fishes, including large -
mouth bass, crappie and mountain trout are designated inland
game fish and under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Resources Com -
mission in all public waters; whereas, some species, including striped
bass, white and yellow perch, flounder and red drum, are desig -
nated as inland game fish only in inland waters (see list on page 16).
SIZE LIMIT
14-inch minimum
Largemouth and spotted bass:
14-inch minimum, except that 2 may
be less than 14 inches
14-inch minimum
Dec. 1–March 31:
No bass may be possessed.
16-inch minimum
18-inch minimum
14-inch minimum, except that 2 may be
less than 14 inches and no fish between
16-20 inches may be possessed
14-inch minimum and no fish between
16-20 inches may be possessed
No minimum size for smallmouth
bass, and no smallmouth between
14-20 inches may be possessed.
12-inch minimum, except that
2 may be less than 12 inches
As posted
Largemouth: 14-inch minimum, except
that 2 may be less than 14 inches
Smallmouth& spotted bass: 12-inch min -
imum,except that2maybe less than12inches
DAILY CREEL LIMIT*
5 in combination
5 in combination
5 in combination
Dec. 1–March 31:
No bass may be possessed.
5 in combination
5 in combination
5 in combination, including only
2 less than 14 inches
5 in combination
5 in combination, including only
1 smallmouth bass greater
than 20 inches
5 in combination, including only
2 less than 12 inches
As posted
5 in combination, including only
2 largemouth less than 14 inches
and 2 smallmouth or spotted bass
less than 12 inches
*Please note: “In combination” means the total number for all species combined.
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
6. In the Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area where it
is unlawful to possess striped bass or striped bass hybrids from
May 1 – Sept. 30.
7. In Cape Fear River and tributaries below Buckhorn Dam where
possession of striped bass and Bodie (hybrid) striped bass is
prohibited.
8. In Sutton Lake, where possession of largemouth bass is
prohibited from Dec. 1 – March 31.
9. Fishing is prohibited from Feb. 15 – April 15 in the Linville
River from the mouth, as marked at Lake James, upstream
to the N.C. 126 bridge.
TROTLINES, SET-HOOKS AND JUG-HOOKS
● Trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks may be fished under any
license that authorizes basic fishing privileges.
● It is unlawful to use live bait with trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks.
● Trotlines (a line with multiple hooks) must be set parallel to the
nearest shore in all public waters, where their use is authorized.
● Each trotline, set-hook and jug-hook shall have attached the
name and address of the user legibly inscribed.
● Each trotline shall be conspicuously marked at each end, and
each set-hook shall be conspicuously marked at one end with
a prominent flag or floating object.
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 19
LOCATION
Striped bass and Bodie bass
(Inland impoundments and tributaries)
- John H. Kerr Reservoir
- Dan River in Caswell Co., N.C., downstream of Danville, Va.
- Cape Fear River upstream of Buckhorn Dam and the Deep and Haw rivers
to the first impoundment
- B. Everett Jordan Reservoir
- Lake Gaston
- Roanoke Rapids Reservoir
- Lake Norman
- Other impounded inland waters and their tributaries
Striped bass and Bodie bass
(Coastal rivers and impoundments)
Roanoke River Striped Bass Management Area (including Roanoke, Cashie,
Middle and Eastmost rivers and their tributaries)
- Roanoke Rapids Dam downstream to mouth of the river at Albemarle Sound
Albemarle Sound Striped Bass Management Area (including Roanoke
Sound, Croatan Sound, Albemarle Sound, Currituck Sound, Chowan,
Yeopim, Perquimans, Little, Pasquotank, North, Alligator and
Scuppernong rivers and their tributaries)
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area, inland and joint waters
including:
- Tar-Pamlico River and tributaries from Rocky Mount Mill Dam
downstream to N & S Railroad Bridge at Washington
- Neuse River and tributaries from Milburnie Dam downstream to Southern
Railroad Bridge at New Bern
- Pungo River
- All other unlisted inland and joint waters of coastal rivers and their
tributaries, except Cape Fear River and tributaries
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area, coastal waters including:
- Tar-Pamlico River downstream of the N & S Railroad Bridge at Washington
including Pamlico Sound and tributaries designated as coastal waters
- Neuse River downstream of Southern Railroad Bridge at New Bern,
including Pamlico Sound and tributaries designated as coastal waters
- All other unlisted coastal waters
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area, inland, joint and coastal
waters of:
- Cape Fear River and tributaries downstream of Buckhorn Dam
- Pee Dee River and tributaries downstream of Blewett Falls Dam
- Lake Mattamuskeet
SIZE LIMIT
Oct. 1–May 31:
26-inch minimum.
June 1–Sept. 30:
No minimum size limit
20-inch minimum
Oct. 1–May 31:
20-inch minimum
June 1–Sept. 30:
No minimum size limit
Oct. 1–May 31:
16-inch minimum.
June 1–Sept. 30:
no minimum size limit
16-inch minimum, except that
2 may be less than 16 inches
Season - March 1–April 30 (unless
closed by proclamation):
18-inch minimum, no fish
between 22-27 inches
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
Season - Oct. 1–April 30
18-inch minimum and no fish
between 22-27 inches
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
No striped bass may be possessed
18-inch minimum
DAILY CREEL LIMIT
Oct. 1–May 31:
2 in combination
June 1–Sept. 30:
4 in combination
4 in combination
4 in combination
4 in combination
8 in combination, including only
2 fish less than 16 inches
Season - March 1–April 30 (unless
closed by proclamation):
2 in combination including only
1 greater than 27 inches
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
Season- Oct. 1–April 30
2 in combination
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
No striped bass may be possessed
3 in combination
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
● Metal cans and glass containers cannot be used as markers.
● The number of jug-hooks that may be fished is limited to 70 per boat.
● Trotlines, throwlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks must be fished
daily, and all fish must be removed daily.
● Untended trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks, as evidenced by
the absence of bait, may be removed from the water by wildlife
enforcement officers.
● Blue crabs may be taken recreationally with a single line with
multiple baits without hooks (see restrictions under “Taking
Nongame Fish, Crustaceans, and Mollusks for Bait or Personal
Consumption” on pages 28 –29).
Exceptions
● No trotlines or set-hooks may be used in the impounded waters
of Sandhills Game Land, in Public Mountain Trout Waters, or
in Cheoah Lake.
● In Lake Waccamaw, it is unlawful to use trotlines or set-hooks
from May 1– Sept. 30.
STATE FISH HATCHERIES
● It is unlawful to fish at any time in the waters or on the property
of any state fish hatchery, including Bones Creek from the Lake
Rim Dam to the U.S. 401 Bypass (Raeford Road), except McKinney
Lake Reservoir at McKinney Lake State Fish Hatchery.
20 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
LOCATION
Sunfish (except species listed below)
In the following waters and their tributaries:
- Roanoke River downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam
- Tar River downstream of Tar River Reservoir Dam
- Neuse River downstream of Falls Lake Dam
- Haw River downstream of Jordan Lake Dam
- Deep River downstream of Lockville Dam
- Cape Fear River
- Waccamaw River downstream of Lake Waccamaw Dam
- Lumber River, including Drowning Creek
- All other public waters east of Interstate 95, except Tar River Reservoir
(Nash Co.)
- All other public fishing waters
Crappie (black and white)
In the following waters and their tributaries:
- Tar River downstream of Tar River Reservoir Dam
- Neuse River downstream of Falls Lake Dam
- Haw River downstream of Jordan Lake Dam
- Deep River downstream of Lockville Dam
- Cape Fear River
- Waccamaw River downstream of Lake Waccamaw Dam
- Lumber River, including Drowning Creek
- All other public waters east of Interstate 95, except Tar River Reservoir
(Nash Co.) and Sutton Lake (New Hanover Co.)
- South Yadkin River downstream of Cooleemee Dam
- Yadkin-Pee Dee River from Idols Dam to the South Carolina state line,
including High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Badin Lake, Falls Lake
(Stanly and Montgomery counties) Lake Tillery, and Blewett Falls Lake
- Lake Norman, Lake Hyco, Lake Ramseur, and Cane Creek Lake
- All public waters west of Interstate 77
- B. Everett Jordan Reservoir
- Roanoke River (downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam), Cashie, Middle
and Eastmost rivers and their tributaries
- Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson and Nash counties)
- All other public fishing waters
Rock bass and Roanoke bass
- All public waters east of Interstate 77
- All other public fishing waters
White bass
- All public fishing waters
American and Hickory shad
- Roanoke River upstream of U.S. 258 bridge near Scotland Neck to
Roanoke Rapids dam
- Lake Gaston
- Roanoke Rapids Reservoir
- John H. Kerr Reservoir
- All other public fishing waters
Spotted sea trout
- Inland waters
Flounder
- Inland waters
Red drum
- Inland waters
Walleye
- Lake James and tributaries
- Linville River upstream from N.C. 126 bridge
- All other public fishing waters
Muskellunge
- All public fishing waters
Sauger
- All public fishing waters
Kokanee salmon
- All public fishing waters
All other warmwater game fishes
- All public fishing waters
SIZE LIMIT
No minimum size limit
None
8-inch minimum
10-inch minimum
None
None
8-inch minimum
None
None
None
No American shad may be possessed
None
12-inch minimum
14-inch minimum
18-inch minimum and
27-inch maximum
15-inch minimum
None
None
42-inch minimum
15-inch minimum
None
None
DAILY CREEL LIMIT
30 in combination, including no
more than 12 redbreast sunfish
None
20 in combination
20 in combination
20 in combination
None
2 in combination
None
25
10 in combination, including no more
than 1 American shad
No American shad may be possessed
10 in combination
10
8
1
8
4
8
1
8
7
None
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 21
REGULATIONS FOR MOUNTAIN TROUT
Brook, brown and rainbow trout require cold, clean water and are
therefore generally restricted to mountain streams and lakes.
Those mountain waters that support trout and are open to public
fishing are designated as “Public Mountain Trout Waters” by the
Wildlife Resources Commission and are man aged for public
trout fishing. A significant amount of trout fishing oppor tunities
in western North Carolina are located on private property. These
landowners have generously allowed for public access for fish -
ing. Please respect their property. Your cooperation is needed to
protect fishing opportunities for future generations. The Com mis -
sion conspicuously marks Public Mountain TroutWaters with
regulation signs that indicate locations for public access. When
anglers encounter “posted against trespass” signs along these
designated sections on private lands, they should respect the
property owner’s rights and choose another location along that
stream to fish. Maps of trout water and their classifi ca tions may
be viewed at www.ncwildlife.org under the link for regulations –
fishing – mountain trout.
Public Mountain Trout Waters Public Mountain Trout
Waters are classified for management purposes as either
“Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters” or “Wild Trout Waters.”
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters must be stocked periodically
with trout to sustain angling. Wild Trout Waters are high-quality
waters that sustain trout popu lations by natural reproduction.
Some Public Mountain Trout Waters are specially regulated to
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
LOCATION/SEASON SIZE LIMIT DAILY CREEL LURES/BAIT
LIMIT RESTRICTIONS*
HATCHERY-SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS
Aug. 1, 2010 – Feb. 28, 2011 None 7 None
7 a.m. April 2, 2011 – July 31, 2011
-All hatchery-supported waters not listed below
March 1, 2011 – April 1, 2011
**No fishing allowed ** None **
-All hatchery-supported waters not listed below
No closed season
-Linville River and tributaries within Linville None 7 None
Gorge Wilderness Area
-Power supply lakes and municipal water
supply lakes
WILD TROUT WATERS
No closed season 7 inches 4 Artificial lures with a single hook.
WILD TROUT NATURAL BAIT WATERS
No closed season 7 inches 4 Artificial lures or natural bait with a
single hook. No live fish allowed as bait.
DELAYED-HARVEST TROUT WATERS
Oct. 1, 2010 – June 3, 2011 ** ** Artificial lures with a single hook.
**No trout may be possessed Natural bait may not be possessed.
**No fishing allowed from ½ hour after sunset on **
June 3, 2011, to 6 a.m. on June 4, 2011
Aug. 1, 2010 – Sept. 30, 2010 None 7 None
June 4, 2011 – July 31, 2011
(Note: youth only fishing from 6 a.m. until
noon on June 4, 2011)
CATCH-AND-RELEASE ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS
No closed season ** None Artificial lures with a single hook.
**No trout may be possessed Natural bait may not be possessed.
CATCH-AND-RELEASE ARTIFICIAL FLIES ONLY TROUT WATERS
No closed season ** None Artificial flies with a single hook.
**No trout may be possessed Natural bait may not be possessed.
SPECIAL REGULATION TROUT WATERS
No closed season Only one fish may be 7 None
-Catawba River from Muddy Creek to greater than 14 inches long
Morganton water intake dam
UNDESIGNATED TROUT WATERS
Aug. 1, 2010 – Feb. 28, 2011 None 7 None
7 a.m. April 2, 2011 – July 31, 2011
March 1, 2011 – April 1, 2011
**Fishing allowed, but no trout may be ** None None
possessed, except in waters listed below
No closed season
-Power supply lakes and municipal water None 7 None
supply lakes
*See page 22 for a definition of artificial lures and natural bait
REGULATIONS FOR MOUNTAIN TROUT
22 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
meet specific management objectives. These are further
classified as follows:
● “Catch and Release/Artificial Lures Only”
● “Catch and Release/Artificial Flies Only”
● “Wild Trout/Natural Bait”
● “Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters”
● or “Special Regulation Trout Waters”
● Some of these public trout waters are also classified as Mountain
Heritage Trout Waters and are identified on page 26.
Fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters
● Fishing is limited to hook and line only.
● An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither con -
tains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish
by the sense of taste or smell.
● Natural bait is defined as any living or dead organism (plant
or animal), or parts thereof, or prepared substances designed
to attract fish by the sense of taste or smell.
● It is unlawful to take fish bait or bait fish from Public Mountain
Trout Waters.
● It is unlawful to possess natural bait while fishing Wild Trout
and Catch-and-Release waters, unless those waters are also
specifically classified for use of natural bait.
● Dropper flies may be used when fishing any Public Mountain
Trout Waters.
● It is unlawful to fish with more than one line per person, except
on power reservoirs and city water supply reservoirs.
● There is no closed season for fishing on power reservoirs and
city water supply reservoirs designated as trout waters.
● Non-trout species may be harvested from Delayed-Harvest Trout
Waters during the catch-and-release only trout season under
applicable size and creel limits.
● It is unlawful to place hatchery-reared fish into a Wild Trout
Water or move wild fish from one stream to another on game
lands without prior written authorization.
● Information and regulations about trout fishing on game lands
are listed on page 27.
Trout Fishing in Undesignated Waters Some waters that
are not designated as Public Mountain Trout Waters (as identified
above) contain mountain trout. When fishing in these undesig -
nated waters, the trout fishing regulations are the same as for
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, except that the trout fishing
license is not required to fish undesignated waters, and there is
no closed season for fishing. However, trout may not be possessed
or retained in the creel when fishing undesignated waters during
the closed season for Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters.
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters There are approxi -
mately 1,100 miles of Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters in
North Caro lina. In hatchery-supported waters there is no size
limit or bait restriction, and the creel limit is seven trout per day.
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters are marked with green-and-white
signs that are posted conspicuously along the watercourses.
The following waters are classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout
Waters (streams that are underlined are stocked with
catchable-size trout at fre quent intervals during the
months of March through August):
Alleghany County
Little River (Whitehead to McCann Dam)
Brush Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Big Pine Creek
Glade Creek
Bledsoe Creek
Piney Fork
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
Meadow Fork
Pine Swamp Creek
Prathers Creek
Cranberry Creek
Ashe County
North Fork New River (Watauga Co. line to Sharp Dam)
Big Horse Creek (Mud Creek at S.R. 1363 to confluence with
North Fork New River)
Buffalo Creek (headwaters to junction of N.C. 194-88 and
S.R. 1131)
Big Laurel Creek
Three Top Creek (except game land portion)
Cranberry Creek (Alleghany Co. line to South Fork New River)
Nathans Creek
Peak Creek (headwaters to Trout Lake, except Blue Ridge
Parkway waters)
Roan Creek
Beaver Creek
Pine Swamp Creek (all forks)
Old Fields Creek
Mill Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Avery County
North Toe River (headwaters to Mitchell Co. line (except where
posted against trespassing)
Squirrel Creek
Elk River (S.R. 1305 crossing immediately upstream of Big Falls
to the Tennessee state line)
Wildcat Lake
Boyde Coffey Lake
Linville River (Land Harbor line [below dam] to the Blue Ridge
Parkway boundary line, except where posted against trespassing)
Milltimber Creek
Buncombe County
Ivy Creek (Ivy River) (Dillingham Creek to U.S. 19-23 bridge)
Dillingham Creek (Corner Rock Creek to Ivy Creek)
Stony Creek
Corner Rock Creek
Reems Creek (Sugar Camp Fork to U.S. 19-23 bridge, except
where posted against trespassing)
Swannanoa River (S.R. 2702 bridge near Ridgecrest to Wood
Avenue bridge [intersection of N.C. 81 and U.S. 74A in Asheville],
except where posted against trespassing)
Bent Creek (headwaters to N.C. Arboretum boundary line)
Cane Creek (headwaters to S.R. 3138 bridge)
Lake Powhatan
Burke County
Henry Fork (lower South Mountains State Park line
downstream to S.R. 1919 at Ivy Creek)
Carroll Creek (game lands above S.R. 1405)
Linville River (portion within Linville Gorge Wilderness Area,
(LGWA), including tributaries, and portion below Lake James
power house from upstream bridge on S.R. 1223 to Muddy
Creek) (Note there is no closed season within LGWA.)
Caldwell County
Wilson Creek (Phillips Branch to Brown Mountain Beach Dam,
except where posted against trespassing)
Boone Fork Pond
Yadkin River (Happy Valley Ruritan Community Park to SR 1515)
Buffalo Creek (mouth of Joe’s Creek to McCloud Branch)
Joes Creek (first falls upstream of S.R. 1574 to confluence with
Buffalo Creek)
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 23
Cherokee County
Shuler Creek (Joe Brown Hwy. (S.R. 1325) bridge to Tennessee line)
Davis Creek (confluence of Bald and Dockery creeks to Hanging
Dog Creek)
Valley River (headwaters to U.S. 19 business bridge in Murphy)
Hyatt Creek
Junaluska Creek (Ashturn Creek to Valley River)
Clay County
Fires Creek (foot bridge in the U.S. Forest Service Fires Creek
Picnic Area to S.R. 1300)
Tusquitee Creek (headwaters to lower S.R. 1300 bridge)
Buck Creek (game land portion downstream of U.S. 64 bridge)
Graham County
Calderwood Reservoir (Cheoah Dam to Tennessee state line)
Yellow Creek
Santeetlah Creek (Johns Branch to mouth, including portions of
tributaries on game lands, excluding Johns Branch and Little
Santeetlah Creek)
West Buffalo Creek
Mountain Creek (game lands boundary to S.R. 1138 bridge)
Big Snowbird Creek (old railroad junction to S.R. 1127 bridge
including portions of tributaries on game lands)
Long Creek (portion not on game lands)
Tulula Creek (headwaters to lower bridge on S.R. 1275)
Cheoah Reservoir
Stecoah Creek
Panther Creek
Haywood County
Pigeon River (Stamey Cove Branch to upstream U.S. 19-23 bridge)
Cold Springs Creek
Jonathan Creek (upstream S.R. 1302 bridge to Pigeon River,
except where posted against trespass)
West Fork Pigeon River (Tom Creek to Queen Creek, including
portions on game lands, except Middle Prong)
Richland Creek (Russ Avenue (U.S. 276) bridge to U.S. 23-74
bridge)
Henderson County
(Rocky) Broad River (Rocky River Lane to Rutherford Co. line)
Green River—upper (mouth of Joe Creek to mouth of Bobs Creek)
Green River—lower (Lake Summit Dam to I-26 bridge)
(Big) Hungry River
Little Hungry River
Cane Creek (S.R. 1551 bridge to U.S. 25 bridge)
Clear Creek (S.R. 1591 bridge at Jack Mountain Lane to S.R. 1582)
Jackson County
Tuckasegee River—upper (confluence with West Fork
Tuckasegee River to N.C. 107 bridge at Love Field)
Tuckasegee River—lower (Dillsboro Dam to S.R. 1534 bridge
at Wilmot)
Scott Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Dark Ridge Creek (Jones Creek to Scott Creek)
Savannah Creek (headwaters to Bradley’s packing house on N.C.116)
Green’s Creek (Green’s Creek Baptist Church on S.R. 1730 to
Savannah Creek)
Cullowhee Creek (Tilley Creek to Tuckasegee River)
Balsam Lake
Bear Creek Lake
Wolf Creek Lake
Tanasee Creek Lake
Macon County
Nantahala River (Nantahala Dam to Whiteoak Creek and
Nantahala hydropower discharge canal to Swain County line)
Queens Creek Lake
Burningtown Creek
Cullasaja River (Sequoyah Dam to U.S. 64 bridge near junction
of S.R. 1672, excluding the game land portions of Buck Creek
and Turtle Pond Creek)
Ellijay Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Cliffside Lake
Cartoogechaye Creek (downstream U.S. 64 bridge to Little
Tennessee River)
Madison County
Shut-in Creek
Spring Creek (junction of N.C. 209 and N.C. 63 to U.S. Forest
Service Road 223)
Little Creek
Meadow Fork Creek (except Little Creek)
Roaring Fork
Max Patch Pond
Big Laurel Creek (Mars Hill watershed boundary to the S.R. 1318
[Big Laurel Road] bridge downstream of Bearpen Branch)
Spillcorn Creek (entire stream, excluding tributaries)
Shelton Laurel Creek (confluence of Big Creek and Mill Creek
to N.C. 208 bridge at Belva)
Mill Creek (headwaters to confluence with Big Creek)
Big Pine Creek (S.R. 1151 bridge to French Broad River)
Puncheon Fork (Hampton Creek to Big Laurel Creek)
Little Ivy Creek (confluence of Middle Fork and Paint Fork at
Beech Glen to confluence with Ivy Creek at Forks of Ivy)
McDowell County
Catawba River (Catawba Falls Campground to Old Fort
Recreation Park)
Little Buck Creek (game land portion)
North Fork Catawba River (headwaters to North Cove School
at S.R. 1569 bridge)
Armstrong Creek (Cato Holler lower line downstream to
Greenlee upper line)
Mill Creek (upper railroad bridge to U.S. 70 bridge, except
where posted against trespassing)
Mitchell County
Big Rock Creek (headwaters to N.C. 226 bridge at S.R. 1307
intersection)
Little Rock Creek (Green Creek bridge to Big Rock Creek,
except where posted against trespassing)
Cane Creek (S.R. 1219 to N.C. 226 bridge)
Grassy Creek (East Fork Grassy Creek to mouth)
East Fork Grassy Creek
North Toe River (Avery Co. line to S.R. 1121 bridge)
Polk County
North Pacolet River (Joels Creek to N.C. 108 bridge)
Green River (Mouth of Cove Creek to the natural gas pipeline
crossing)
Rutherford County
(Rocky) Broad River (Henderson Co. line to U.S. 64/74 bridge,
except where posted against trespassing)
Stokes County
Dan River (Virginia state line downstream to a point 200 yards
below the end of S.R. 1421)
Surry County
Pauls Creek (Virginia state line to 0.3 miles below S.R. 1625 bridge)
Fisher River (Cooper Creek) (Virginia state line to Interstate 77
bridge)
Little Fisher River (Virginia state line to N.C. 89 bridge)
Ararat River (S.R. 1727 bridge downstream to the N.C. 103 bridge)
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
24 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Swain County
Calderwood Reservoir (Cheoah Dam to Tennessee state line)
Cheoah Reservoir
Deep Creek (Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary
line to Tuckasegee River)
Connelly Creek
Alarka Creek (game lands boundary to mouth)
Nantahala River (Macon Co. line to existing Fontana Lake
water level)
Transylvania County
French Broad River (junction of west and north forks to
U.S. 276 bridge)
Davidson River (Avery Creek to lower U.S. Forest Service
boundary line)
Middle Fork French Broad River
West Fork French Broad River (S.R. 1312 and S.R. 1309
intersection to junction of west and north forks)
Watauga County
North Fork New River (from confluence with Maine and Mine
branches to Ashe Co. line)
Maine Branch (headwaters to North Fork New River)
Meat Camp Creek
Norris Fork Creek
Howard Creek (downstream from lower falls)
Middle Fork New River (Lake Chetola dam to South
Fork New River)
Stony Fork (headwaters to Wilkes Co. line)
Elk Creek (headwaters to gravel pit on S.R. 1508, except where
posted against trespassing)
Beech Creek
Buckeye Creek Reservoir
Coffee Lake
Laurel Creek
Cove Creek (S.R. 1233 bridge at Zionville to S.R. 1233 bridge
at Amantha)
Dutch Creek (second bridge on S.R. 1134 to mouth)
Beaverdam Creek (confluence of Beaverdam Creek and Little
Beaverdam Creek to an unnamed tributary adjacent to the
intersection of S.R. 1201 and S.R. 1203)
Wilkes County
East Prong Roaring River (lower state park boundary to Brewer’s
Mill on S.R. 1943)
Middle Prong Roaring River (headwaters to second bridge on
S.R. 1736)
Pike Creek Pond
Bell Branch Pond
Boundary Line Pond
Pike Creek
Cub Creek (0.5 miles upstream of S.R. 2460 bridge to S.R.
1001 bridge)
Middle Fork Reddies River (Clear Prong)(headwaters to bridge
on S.R. 1580)
South Fork Reddies River (headwaters to confluence with
Middle Fork Reddies River)
North Fork Reddies River (Vannoy Creek) (headwaters to Union
School bridge on S.R. 1559)
Darnell Creek (North Prong Reddies River) (downstream ford
on S.R. 1569 to confluence with North Fork Reddies River)
South Prong Lewis Fork (headwaters to Lewis Fork Baptist Church)
Fall Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Yancey County
Cane River (Bee Branch [S.R. 1110] to Bowlens Creek)
Bald Mountain Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Price Creek (junction of S.R. 1120 and S.R. 1121 to Indian Creek)
South Toe River (Clear Creek to lower boundary line of Yancey
Co. recreation park, except where posted against trespassing)
Wild Trout Waters In all Wild Trout Waters, the minimum
length limit is seven inches and the creel limit is four trout per
day. Only artificial lures with one single hook may be used. All
Public Mountain Trout Waters located on game lands are Wild
Trout Waters unless classified and posted otherwise. The following
streams are also classified as Wild Trout Waters and are marked
with blue-and-gold signs, which are posted conspicuously along
the watercourses:
Alleghany County
Big Sandy Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Stone Mountain Creek (portion on Stone Mountain
State Park)
Avery County
Birchfield Creek
Cow Camp Creek
Cranberry Creek (headwaters to U.S. 19E/N.C. 194 bridge)
Gragg Prong
Horse Creek
Jones Creek
Kentucky Creek
North Harper Creek
Plumtree Creek
Roaring Creek
Rockhouse Creek
South Harper Creek
Webb Prong
Burke County
All waters located on South Mountains State Park except the
main stream of Jacob Fork between the mouth of Shinny Creek
and the lower park boundary and Henry Fork and its tributaries.
Nettle Branch (game land portion)
Caldwell County
Buffalo Creek (Watauga Co. line to Long Ridge Branch including
tributaries on game lands)
Joes Creek (Watauga Co. line to first falls upstream of the end of
S.R. 1574)
Rockhouse Creek
Graham County
Little Buffalo Creek
South Fork Squally Creek
Squally Creek
Henderson County
Green River (I-26 bridge to Henderson/Polk Co. line)
Jackson County
Gage Creek
North Fork Scott Creek
Tanasee Creek
Whitewater River (downstream from Silver Run Creek to South
Carolina state line)
Wolf Creek (except Balsam Lake)
Mitchell County
Green Creek (headwaters to Green Creek bridge, except where
posted against trespassing)
Little Rock Creek (above Green Creek, including all tributaries,
except where posted against trespassing)
Wiles Creek (game land boundary to mouth)
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 25
Polk County
Green River (Henderson/Polk Co. line to Fishtop Falls Access Area)
Transylvania County
All waters located on Gorges State Park
Whitewater River (downstream from Silver Run Creek to South
Carolina state line)
Watauga County
Dutch Creek (headwaters to second bridge on S.R. 1134)
Howards Creek (headwaters to lower falls)
Watauga River (Avery Co. line to steel bridge at Riverside Farm Road)
Winkler Creek (lower bridge on S.R. 1549 to confluence with
South Fork New River)
Wilkes County
Big Sandy Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Garden Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Widow Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Yancey County
Cattail Creek (bridge at Mountain Farm Community Road to
N.C. 197 bridge)
Lickskillet Creek
Middle Creek (game land boundary to mouth)
OTHER REGULATED TROUT WATERS
Certain Public Mountain Trout Waters are managed under very
restrictive regulations to meet specific management objectives.
These waters are marked with signs that are posted
conspicuously along the watercourses.
Catch-and-Release/Artificial Lures Only Waters The
following trout waters and their tributaries, except as noted, may
be fished only with artificial lures having one single hook. No
trout may be harvested or possessed while fishing these streams.
These streams are marked with purple-and-gold signs.
Ashe County
Big Horse Creek (Virginia state line to Mud Creek at S.R. 1363,
excluding tributaries)
Unnamed tributary of Three Top Creek (game land portion)
Avery County
Wilson Creek (game land portion)
Buncombe County
Carter Creek (game land portion)
Burke County
Henry Fork (portion on South Mountains State Park)
Jackson County
Tuckasegee River (above the Clark property)
Flat Creek
McDowell County
Newberry Creek (game land portion)
Watauga County
Dugger Creek (portions on Reynolds Blue Ridge development,
including tributaries. Anglers must check in at their security
office on Triplett Rd. prior to fishing)
Laurel Creek (portions on Reynolds Blue Ridge development,
including tributaries. Anglers must check in at their security
office on Triplett Rd. prior to fishing)
Wilkes County
Dugger Creek (portions on Reynolds Blue Ridge development,
including tributaries. Anglers must check in at their security
office on Triplett Rd. prior to fishing)
Harris Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Catch-and-Release/Artificial Flies Only Waters The
following trout waters and their tributaries, except as noted,
may be fished only with artificial flies having one single hook.
No trout may be harvested or possessed while fishing these
streams. These streams are marked with red-and-gold signs.
Avery County
Elk River (portion on Lees-McRae College property, excluding
the millpond)
Lost Cove Creek (game land portion, excluding Gragg Prong
and Rockhouse Creek)
Transylvania County
Davidson River (headwaters to Avery Creek, excluding Avery
Creek, Looking Glass Creek and Grogan Creek)
Yancey County
South Toe River (headwaters to Upper Creek, including
tributaries)
Upper Creek (headwaters to South Toe River, including
tributaries)
Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters The following trout waters,
excluding tributaries except as noted, may be fished only with
artifi cial lures with one single hook. No natural bait may be
possessed, and no trout may be harvested or possessed while
fishing these waters between Oct. 1, 2010 and 30 minutes
after sunset on June 3, 2011. These waters are closed to fishing
between 30 minutes after sunset on June 3 and 6 a.m. on June 4.
At 6 a.m. on June 4, 2011, these waters open to fishing for youths
under 16 years old under Hatchery-Supported regulations—
no bait restriction, no minimum length limit and seven-trout-per-
day creel limit. At 12 p.m. on June 4, 2011, these waters
open for all anglers under Hatchery-Supported regu la tions.
These waters are marked with black-and-white signs.
Ashe County
Trout Lake
Helton Creek (Virginia state line to New River)
Burke County
Jacob Fork (Shinny Creek to lower South Mountains State
Park boundary)
Caldwell County
Wilson Creek (game land portion below Lost Cove Creek to
Phillips Branch)
Haywood County
West Fork Pigeon River (Queen Creek to the first game land
boundary upstream of Lake Logan)
Henderson County
North Fork Mills River (game land portion below the
Hendersonville watershed dam)
Jackson County
Tuckasegee River (N.C. 107 bridge at Love Field to the
Dillsboro dam)
Macon County
Nantahala River (Whiteoak Creek to Nantahala hydropower
discharge canal)
Madison County
Big Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge to the U.S. 25-70 bridge)
Shelton Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge at Belva to the
confluence with Big Laurel Creek)
McDowell County
Curtis Creek (game land portion downstream of the U.S. Forest
Service boundary at Deep Branch)
Mill Creek (U.S. 70 bridge to I-40 bridge)
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
26 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Mitchell County
Cane Creek (N.C. 226 bridge to N.C. 80 bridge)
North Toe River (U.S. 19E bridge to N.C. 226 bridge)
Polk County
Green River (Fishtop Falls Access Area to the confluence with
Cove Creek)
Surry County
Mitchell River (0.6 mile upstream of the end of S.R. 1333 to the
S.R. 1330 bridge below Kapps Mill Dam)
Transylvania County
East Fork French Broad River (Glady Fork to French Broad River)
Little River (confluence of Lake Dense to 100 yards downstream
of Hooker Falls)
Watauga County
Watauga River (adjacent to intersection of S.R. 1557 and S.R.
1558 to N.C. 105 bridge and S.R. 1114 bridge to N.C. 194
bridge at Valle Crucis)
Wilkes County
East Prong Roaring River (mouth of Bullhead Creek down stream
to Stone Mountain State Park boundary line)
Stone Mountain Creek (from falls at Alleghany Co. line to con -
fluence with East Prong Roaring River and Bullhead Creek)
Reddies River (Town of North Wilkesboro water intake dam to
confluence with Yadkin River)
Wild Trout: Natural Bait Waters The following trout
waters and their tributaries, except as noted, may be fished with
artificial lures or natural bait, except live fish. Lures and natural
baits are restricted to one single hook. The minimum length
limit is seven inches, and the daily creel limit is four trout.
These streams are marked with brown-and-gold signs.
Cherokee County
Bald Creek (game land portions)